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Incident
Sheriff Hamilton was shot and killed while he, the undersheriff, and another deputy transported a prisoner from Oswego to the State Penitentiary. The suspect had been slipped a revolver which he was able to conceal. During the ride he produced the revolver and shot Sheriff Hamilton fatally and wounded the undersheriff. The deputy was able to shoot and kill the suspect.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Hamilton served with the Labette County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Oswego community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Hamilton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Labette County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Melvin is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
Melvin is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Melvin is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 4 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Melvin was 62. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
Melvin was 62. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Melvin was 62. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 10.1% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Labette County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.4% 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 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Labette County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Melvin among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Labette County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
