The Salt Lake City Police Department remembers the loss of one its own: Officer Carl J. Carlson, killed in the line of duty March 9, 1929. Officer Carlson died from injuries he received during a liquor raid the previous day. The 39-year-old victim and fellow officers raided 23 S. West Temple, where they located several barrels of mash. One of the 50-gallon barrels fell on Officer Carlson’s foot, causing him to jump back and strike his head against the wall.
Following treatment for the foot injury at the hospital, Officer Carlson attended a wrestling exhibition. There he was found semi-conscious, clinging to a lamppost. Taken to the hospital, he died the following morning of a basal skull fracture.
Officer Carlson was married and the father of six children. He is buried at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
If you have memories or photos of Officer Carlson to share, please email policehistory@slcgov.com or call (801) 799- 3340. To learn more about our Fallen Officers, click here.
The Police Department wishes to thank the Utah Law Enforcement Memorial for its assistance in this remembrance.
