Bridge named after assassinated Pulaski Co. sheriff

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - First responders and family members took part in the dedication of a bridge to Pulaski County Sheriff Sam Catron, who was assassinated just over two decades ago.

The bridge passes over Buck Creek along Kentucky Route 80, not far from where an assassin’s bullet struck down Catron.

On Wednesday, family members, friends and those who worked with Catron returned to the place he lost his life to ensure that his legacy will live on.

Catron’s brother, Lewis, said he wouldn’t be wanting all this attention, but he said it touched his heart to see Sam honored.

“I know he’s looking down and saying, ‘what’s all this fuss about?’ And of course he always rolled his eyes and I bet he’s rolling them now,” Lewis said.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet workers went straight from the dedication to install the signs Wednesday afternoon.

Current Pulaski County Sheriff Speck said this will serve the thousands who drive this road as a constant reminder of the life of Sheriff Catron and those who so cruelly took it away.

“This bridge will also be a reminder to all of us to stand guard against those who seek power for their own twisted self-interest. I know Sam would be pleased if this dedication served that purpose,” Speck said.

Charles “David” Hawk was close with Sheriff Catron and says he was selling pies with Sam at the fish fry when the assassination happened.

“Just to have one of your deputies conspire to kill you and just for money for gain…” Hawk said.

But Hawk and Lewis are pleased so many came to remember Sheriff Catron, not for the tragic way he died, but rather the noble way he lived.

“People come up and say, ‘you probably don’t want to talk about it.’ Well yeah, I do. It’s heartwarming to hear people talk about him. You can look at them in their eyes until they’re sincere with all they’re saying,” Lewis said.

Lewis also wanted to thank Detective Brett Whitaker, who worked under Sam and came up with the idea, as well as Rep. Shane Baker, who got a resolution passed through the state House to make this memorial a reality.

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