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Incident
Deputy John Cleary succumbed to a gunshot wound suffered 15 years earlier when he was shot by a burglary suspect. Deputy Cleary had apprehended the man at his home and had arranged for the man to return the stolen money to the grocery store that was burglarized. When he let the man go into his home to get the money the man also slipped a revolver into his pocket. As the two men neared 5th and Ohio streets the suspect opened fire, striking Deputy Cleary in the chest and abdomen. Deputy Cleary was taken home but doctors were unable to remove the bullet. Deputy Cleary made a slow recovery and returned to duty. The following May, Deputy Cleary and other officers located the original shooting suspect in a home at 5th and Eagle streets. As Deputy Cleary attempted a second arrest the man shot him in the leg and head. Deputy Cleary was able to take the suspect into custody. Deputy Cleary's health continued to deteriorate until his death in on April 9, 1892. Deputy Cleary had served with the Vigo County Sheriff's Department for 23 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
134 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Cleary gave the Vigo County Sheriff's Office 23 years.
Thank you for your service to the Terre Haute community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Vigo County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1892, 2 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1892, 81 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1892, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 48. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 48. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 23 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.7% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Saturdays: 15.5%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Vigo County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Vigo County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Vigo County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
