Today the Frankfort Police Department and guests remembered FPD Officer Amos Hamilton who was killed in the line of duty in 1929.
Also remembered were the four Indiana officers killed since May 2022. They are: Master Trooper James R. Bailey, Deputy Sheriff Asson Hacker, Officer Noah Shahnavaz and Officer Seara Burton.
After some words in front of the department there was a silent walk of remembrance to the location Officer Hamilton was shot and killed.
Frankfort Police Department Memorial Program
Opening remarks- Chief Scott Shoemaker.
Prayer- Chaplain Leo Gonzales.
Indiana Line of Duty Deaths- FOP President Brett Waggoner
Law Enforcement Poem- Deputy Chief Cesar Munoz
Silent Walk to Officer Hamilton’s Shooting Location- Chief Shoemaker
Amos Hamilton’s Line of Duty Death Reading- Captain Brady Sorrells
Closing Prayer/Blessing- Pastor Shan Sheridan.
Brief Snyopsis of the death of Patrolman Amos “Slim” Hamilton
Patrolman Amos M. Hamilton
Frankfort Police Department
Hometown: Fickle Station, In.
Born: September 3, 1896
Hired: 1927
Died: October 12, 1929
On October 12, 1929, at approximately 7:45 pm, Frankfort Patrolman Amos “Slim” Hamilton, Captain George Zook, and Patrolman Orville Green entered the Rogers’ Cigar store in search of Clyde Jones 25, who was wanted for questioning in recent robberies and filling station holdups.
After making contact with Jones, he was ordered to accompany them to the police station. Upon reaching the front door, Jones ran out of the store and turned west into the alley between the Barnhart cafe and Rogers’ cigar store on North Main streets. Captain Zook followed with Patrolman Hamilton closely behind. When they reached the corner of the alley Captain Zook and Patrolmen Hamilton were met with heavy gunfire. A gunfight ensued as Jones emptied his Colt .45 cal 1911 US Army model semi-automatic pistol at the officers. Captain Zook fired many shots while Patrolman Hamilton had fired only once before being struck in the face with a bullet fired by Jones.
Patrolman Hamilton fell to his death as more gunfire was exchanged. Jones was struck in the abdomen during the gunfight; however, despite his wounds, had managed to escape the police that evening.
Jones was captured later the next day at the residence of Charles J. Cudahy. Clyde Jones was convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Michigan City Penal Farm. Fifteen years later, Governor Ralph F.Gates commuted Jones’ life sentence and granted his release on parole.
Photos of the ceremony are in links below
