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Incident
Patrolman Claxton died when he suffered a heart attack during a foot chase of a jail escapee. After fleeing from the jail, the 19-year-old suspect stole a truck. Patrolman Claxton and another deputy began pursuit. The suspect bailed out and began to run. Patrolman Claxton and the deputy chased the suspect until he was captured. Patrolman Claxton then began having trouble breathing and collapsed. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
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 Claxton gave the Shelbyville Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Shelbyville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Claxton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
Shelbyville Police Department has lost 5 officers; 1 of them lost to cardiac events.
Melvin is one of 37 officers lost to cardiac events in TN, 4.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Melvin is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Melvin is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1999, 4 officers in TN were lost to cardiac events, more than in any other year.
In 1999, 22 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 3rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 1999, 22 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 3rd heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
Melvin was 53. Of the 36 lost to cardiac events in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 41.8 and 54.3; the middle age was 49. Melvin had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 15.5 years.
Melvin was 53. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. Melvin had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
Melvin was 53. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. Melvin had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
February holds 5.4% of these deaths in TN; March holds the most, 13.5%. Wednesdays: 10.8%.
February holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
February holds 8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 20% of all 5 deaths at Shelbyville Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
His people
Shelbyville Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Melvin among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Shelbyville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
