Patrolman John Michael Kick, Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio

Patrolman John Michael Kick

Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, May 15, 1875

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John Michael Kick

Patrolman Michael Kick succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained two days earlier as he and several officers were conducting surveillance on a group of six burglars at a saloon.

The suspects came out of the saloon near the intersection of Monroe Street and Pearl Street and started threatening the officers. The suspects opened fire, striking Patrolman Kick in the chest.

The suspects were arrested but never charged with Patrolman Kick's murder. The primary suspect escaped jail in June 1875 and was never apprehended.

Patrolman Kick was a United States Army Civil War veteran assigned to the US Missouri unit and had served with the Cleveland Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife and four children.

Patrolman Kick was the first officer of the CPD killed in the line of duty since its creation in 1866.

He is buried in Section M, Lot 74 of the Monroe Street Cemetery, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 10 years
Badge 42
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Thursday, May 13, 1875
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Never charged

plainclothes, surveillance

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Patrolman Kick,
On today, the 150th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the Union Army during the Civil War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 15, 2025