John Charles Cash, killed May 15, 1913

John Charles Cash was hired by the Mayor and City Council as a police officer on February 11, 1911. His pay was set $50.00 dollars per month. Once Chief Joe Miller was comfortable with Officer Cash, he was assigned to work the night shift in East Point by himself. On special occasions or when needed, John Cash would work during the day hours. John’s normal shift hours were 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. His duties were to watch the businesses in the downtown area for burglars. He usually walked the streets checking businesses about four times a night. The remaining time, he would sit in front of the Lyle Building or in the City Jail Cell. 

As part of his duties, he was suppose to light the arc lamp located on the corner of Main Street and West Cleveland Avenue which was in front of the Citizens Bank. Officer Cash usually arced the lamp on about dark. In order to light the lamp, the Officer had to use a chain to arc the Lamp to burn. During this lighting process, Officer Cash was pulling the metal chain when his hand touched an exposed wire causing him to become grounded. He was electrocuted about dark on May 15, 1913. The light never came on and Officer Cash lay on the sidewalk at West Cleveland Avenue and Main Street until persons walking to the train station found his body the next morning. John Charles Cash was the first police officer to die in the performance of his official duties. He was thirty-three years old and had three children with his wife. His funeral expenses came to $124.75 and had to be paid by the family. John C. Cash was buried at the Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. 

His wife received a months pay after his death and no other compensation from the City. In early January 1914, a group of 150 leading citizens in East Point signed a petition asking the Mayor and Council to excuse Mrs. John C. Cash of all taxes for the year of 1913. On January 19, 1914, the Mayor and Council released Mrs. John C. Cash from paying taxes for the year of 1913 because of the death of her husband in the performance of his official duty. The City offered no further compensation to the family of Mrs. John C. Cash.  

On May 16, 1913 this media release was published in the Atlanta Constitution Newspaper, Atlanta, GA about the death of Officer Cash.

Click on the picture of the media release for the full size view.

Rubbing From The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Location -  Panel 47E, Line 22, Georgia Public Safety Memorial Location - N2R

A Salute To Police Officers