Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Tom Centers was shot and killed while attempting to keep the peace during an argument between two men who were playing cards in Clayhole, Kentucky.
One of the men went to his home, obtained a .38 caliber pistol, then returned and shot Constable Centers multiple times. Despite being mortally wounded, Constable Centers was able to return fire and wounded the man critically. The 43-year-old suspect recovered, was tried, and acquitted.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-2C04191C- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Centers served with the Breathitt County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Centers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Thomas Walton Centers is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,787 officers honored here.
In KY, 756 of 984 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 76.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Breathitt County Constable's Office, 5 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas Walton Centers's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas Walton Centers Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas Walton Centers is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas Walton Centers was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Breathitt County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
