- Police Officers Memorial, Albany, NY
On this date in 1791, a posse in Stephentown, NY attempted to arrethis day in crime history: january 3, 1791st local resident Whiting Sweeting on a warrant for theft. Sweeting resisted, and in the process of arresting him, Albany County Constable Darius Quimby was stabbed. Quimby later died of his wounds. He is commonly believed to be the first law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty in U.S. history. Sweeting was charged with Quimby’s murder. He was convicted in July of 1791 and was executed the following month.
Further reading:
Officer Down Memorial Page – Constable Darius Quimby (Note: This is one of many online sources that incorrectly state that Quimby was shot)
An NYCHS Timeline on Executions by Hanging in New York State
Ancestry Message Boards – Whiting Sweeting, Darius Quimby
Reblogged this on Brittius.
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John D.:
Even WAY back in 1891, it was hazardous being a peace officer.
Good to see that memorial.
Roll safe (and keep the shovel handy while you stay warm) out there.
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