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Incident
Patrolman John Creech was shot and killed when he was confronted by family members of a man he had arrested shortly before Christmas.
Several of the family members and their friends were walking through town on Christmas Day declaring they were going to get revenge on Patrolman Creech. Patrolman Creech and a Harlan County sheriff's deputy encountered the group and were fired upon. During the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Patrolman Creech and one of the family members were killed. The deputy and two men in the group were wounded.
One of the family members was charged with murder and tried four times, with each trial ending in a hung jury. The man was pardoned by the governor before a fifth trial was started.
Patrolman Creech was survived by his wife, three children, and parents.
Survivors
Patrolman Creech was survived by his wife, three children, and parents.
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.
Patrolman Creech served with the Poor Fork Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Cumberland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Creech.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Poor Fork Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John 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 1920, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 46. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
John was 46. 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.
John was 46. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 11.5% of these deaths in KY, more than any other month. Saturdays: 19%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Poor Fork Police Department.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Poor Fork Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Poor Fork Police Department are honored on badge.nw.