Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Patch, Law Enforcement |
Catalog Number |
2022.28.31 |
Material(s) |
Cloth |
Dimensions |
H-3.125 W-2.75 inches |
Description |
An oval insignia patch for the Somerset Police. The navy patch has blue binding and white lettering. In the center are two figures standing and shaking hands like those on the Kentucky state seal. |
Notes |
This patch belonged to Harold Lewis Catron (1909-1964). Born in Dahl, Harold moved to Somerset around 1919 to attend the local schools. Prior to his work in law enforcement, Harold worked as a mechanic and volunteer firefighter. Beginning in 1934, Harold served as a patrolman for the Somerset Police Department. Harold served in the U.S. Army Air Transport Command from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. Attaining the rank of Sergeant, he was stationed in Belem, Brazil in the Military Police division. After the war, Harold served as the Somerset Fire Chief from 1946-1949. He won election as Chief of Police of Somerset in 1950, a role he held until his death in 1964. During his tenure, radio operators worked 24 hours a day, radios were installed in police vehicles, and police officers received training. Harold organized school patrols in the local schools, organized a bicycle safety inspection program, and saw ensure school children received educational pamphlets. In 1957, Harold was ambushed while sawing lumber on his front porch. Hit by eighty pellets, a few also hit his son, Lewis, who was with him. Harold lived for another seven years with the pellets in his body until one dislodged and moved near his heart. No one was found guilty of the shooting, but local suspicions believed the culprits to be people involved in the sale of illegal alcohol (Pulaski County was a dry county). Thirty-eight years later, Harold's son, Sam, the youngest Sheriff elected in Pulaski County, was assassinated at a campaign event. Donated by Harold's daughter, Nancy. |
Collection |
Nancy Catron Collection |
People |
Catron, Harold L. |
Subjects |
Law enforcement Law enforcement officers Police |
Search Terms |
Pulaski County (Ky.) Somerset (Ky.) |