Sam Catron

Sammy Catron ( May 11, 1953-April 13, 2002) was sheriff of Pulaski County, Kentucky. Catron was staunchly anti-marijuana and often personally piloted his department's helicopter to search for illicit growing operations. On April 13, 2002, Sam Catron was murdered by Danny Shelly after speaking at a political rally in Shopville, Kentucky. His former deputy, Jeff Morris, who was campaigning against him, and Kenneth White, a well-known dope dealer, had it done.

Biography

Catron graduated from Somerset High School in 1971. His career in law enforcement began in the mid 1970s as a Pulaski County Sheriff's Deputy. In 1982, Catron became the chief of police for Ferguson, Kentucky, leaving the position in 1985 after being elected Sheriff of Pulaski County. During his tenure, Catron served on the Kentucky Governor's Task Force for Marijuana Eradication, the Pulaski County Rescue Squad, the Appalachian High Density Drug Traffic Area task force, was a member of the National Sheriffs' Association and was named Sheriff of the Year in 1989. In his private life, Catron served on the board of his local Eagle Scout troop, was a Vigil life member and past chief of the Kawida Lodge Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America.

Profiles

The case of Catron's murder was recently profiled on an episode of the A&E Network's City Confidential, examining the town of Somerset, Kentucky.

References

* [http://www.somersetkyobits.com/april_2002.htm Obituary]
* [http://archives.cnn.com/2002/US/04/15/sheriff.killed CNN Article]