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These are stories of our fellow officers who have perished in the line of duty. For more information on fallen officers, you may visit the web site of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc. or the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial.

Deputy Marshall Richard T. Blew

News Story from the Trenton-Republican, January 11, 1877
A Fatal Shot

One of the most unfortunate occurrences took place in Trenton last Friday evening that it has been our duty to chronicle for a long time. Deputy Marshall Richard T. Blew, received a shot form the pistol of Dr. J. A. Webster, resulting in his death.

It appears that Dr. Webster and some other parties were drinking, and while in the street north of the City Drug Store, he drew out his revolver and threatened to shoot, perhaps not knowing what he was doing. Deputy Marshall Blew undertook to take the revolver from him, when it went off, the ball entering the abdomen of the Marshall, causing his death. He lived until 6 o'clock Sunday morning, and expired. The unfortunate man stated several times before he died that the shot was purely accidental. When first spoken to he stated that if it killed him he had only one request to make of the Dr. and that was, that he would quit drinking whiskey.

Mr. Blew was a remarkable man. He seemed to have been especially adapted to the work of police duty, and had quite a reputation as a police officer. Years ago he was a Marshall in Chillicothe, and was a perfect terror to evil doers, just as he has been since he has been employed in Trenton. But few mean can fill his place. He leaves a helpless family. It was a sad affair - sad because it hurried a stout, healthy man into eternity, and because it deprived a woman and children of a husband and father, and also because the circumstances under which it happened make it sad for all concerned. He was buried in the old grave yard last Monday.

(Additional information - Richard T. Blew was shot on January 5, 1877 and died on January 7, 1877. He is buried at Maple Grove Cemetery in Trenton)

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Patrolman Isaac Dilley

News story from the Evening Republican, December 13, 1894
Policeman Dilley Hurt

While crossing the Rock Island yards about 4:15 this afternoon, Policeman Ike Dilley was caught between two cars and badly crushed. His injuries are internal and very serious.

News story from the Evening Republican, December 14, 1894
The Accident Fatal
Policeman Isaac Dilley Died Two Hours After Being Hurt

About 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, as briefly announced in last evening's paper, Isaac Dilley, a member of the city police force, was caught between the drawheads of two cars, in the Rock Island yards. The injuries were of a fatal character, and Mr. Dilley died at his home at 6:15 last evening, about two hours after he was hurt.

Mr. Dilley lived in the east part of town, on Harris avenue, and had been a member of the police force since April, 1893. Since the city put on an extra policeman, about a week ago, he has spent nearly all of his time in the yards, looking after tramps and boys. Just before the accident, he left some friends at the Jones House and started across the yards south of the dining hall on his way home. He intended to scatter a crowd of boys, also, as he was passing through the cars. On one of the tracks, there were six or seven cars standing directly in his path, and between two of them and in about the middle of the string, there was a space of about two feet between the drawheads. The cars were standing perfectly still, but the yard men were switching at the upper end of the yard and were throwing in cars on all of the tracks.

Fireman Wm. Graham was just ahead of Mr. Dilley, and he went through the space safely. But, just as the officer was going through, several heavy cars moved rapidly and struck the string of stationary cars, and the drawheads caught him with terrible force. The concussion moved the stationary cars several feet; and the fatally injured man fell to the side of the track. A number of persons witnessed the accident and help was speedily summoned. A stretcher was procured, and he was carried by his own request to Dr. Coon's office. Here he was examined by Dr. Coon and Buren, and Dr. Patton was called a few minutes later. The physicians agreed that death was a question of but hours, as it was apparent that his stomach, bowels and other organs had been crushed. His pistol, which was suspended in a belt at his waist, was bent and twisted. While in the doctor's office, he talked with friends, and said he was aware that his injuries were fatal.

About 5 o'clock, he was taken home on the stretcher and remained perfectly conscious until a few minutes before he died. He called Mrs. Dilley to the bed and bid her good bye and shook hands with other relatives.

The deceased was raised in Grundy county, near Spickard, and had a large number of relatives in the city and county. His immediate family consisted of himself and wife, the couple having lost a little boy several years ago. He was a member in good standing of the I.O.O.F. and A.O.U.W. Lodges of this city, as well as the Encampment and Select Knights branches of the same. He carried a life policy for $2,000 in the A.O.U.W.

He was a thrifty, industrious man, a good officer, and was well-known and esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. His bereaved wife has the sympathy of everyone in her sudden affliction.

The funeral services were held at the home of the family on Harris Avenue at 2 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. G. Snell, of the Christian Church. The Odd Fellows and United Workmen attended. The burial service of the Odd Fellows was observed at the I.O.O.F. cemetery. Relatives at St. Joseph, Kansas City, and other points were notified and were expected to arrive that afternoon and evening.

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