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Incident
Patrolman Fred Cromwell was shot and killed by a man he surprised burglarizing a local clothing store at 3:30 am.
Patrolman Cromwell was making his early morning rounds when he found a key in the front door of the store. As he opened the door, he was shot twice and killed instantly.
The suspect, 36, was apprehended a month later in Los Angeles, California, after a fierce gun battle with four Los Angeles police officers. On May 13th, 1915, he was convicted of Patrolman Cromwell's murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died at a hospital for insane criminals in Michigan City on July 16, 1942.
Patrolman Cromwell had been the Patrolman for only six days after many years as the town's fire chief.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and two children.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Cromwell served with the Linton Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Linton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cromwell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fred is the only officer of Linton Police Department remembered here.
Fred is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Fred is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Fred is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1915, 3 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Fred was 32. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Fred had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Fred was 32. 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. Fred had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Fred was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Fred had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.8% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Sundays: 17.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Linton Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 6.1% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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