Officer Samuel Irish died as the result of heat stroke, which he suffered nearly four years earlier on one of the warmest days of the year.

   He was walking his beat near the Atlas Engine Works when he was overcome by the hot weather, which reached 83 degrees that day. At that time, officers were required to wear a fully-buttoned wool tunic and their helmet as part of their summer uniform.

   He was taken home but was unable to return to active duty and placed on a disability pension. His health continued to deteriorate until he passed away on June 7, 1909.

   Officer Irish was survived by his wife and four children.

The responsibilities of the Indianapolis Police Department (1854–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.