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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Morgan Pelfrey was shot and killed while attempting to remove a drunk man from a large memorial service at a cemetery in War Creek.
The man's father started arguing with Deputy Pelfrey and then pulled out a handgun. The man and Deputy Pelfrey exchanged shots and both were killed.
Deputy Pelfrey had served with the Breathitt County Sheriff's Office for several years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and several children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Pelfrey served with the Breathitt County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Pelfrey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Breathitt County Sheriff's Office has lost 10 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
Morgan is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Morgan is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Morgan is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1933, 2 officers at Breathitt County Sheriff's Office were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1933, 14 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1933, 184 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1933, 186 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Morgan was 40. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Breathitt County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 36.5 and 39; the middle age was 38.
Morgan was 40. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Morgan was 40. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Morgan was 40. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
May holds 11.1% of these deaths at Breathitt County Sheriff's Office; June holds the most, 22.2%. Sundays: 22.2%.
May holds 8.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Sundays: 18.7%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 90% of all 10 deaths at Breathitt County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 44.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Breathitt County Sheriff's Office has 10 officers remembered here, Morgan among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Breathitt County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
