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Incident
Deputy Kenneth Love, Jailer Ernest Hesson, and Sheriff Elvin Wedge were killed when a bomb exploded inside the Mason County Courthouse. The suspect entered the Mason County Jail armed with a shotgun and suitcase, and forced his way into the jail cell of his wife, who was in custody for the murder of their child. The suspect stated he wished to spend the night with his wife, and while talking to Sheriff Wedge fired at the suitcase, which contained approximately 30 sticks of dynamite, causing a massive explosion. Deputy Love, who was on duty at the courthouse that night, was killed instantly. Sheriff Wedge succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the blast the next day. Jailer Ernest Hesson succumbed to his injuries one week later. The suspect and his wife were also killed instantly.
Survivors
Deputy Love was survived by his wife, two children, father and two siblings.
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 Love served with the Mason County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Point Pleasant community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Love.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mason County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Kenneth is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Kenneth is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Kenneth 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 1976, 5 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Kenneth was 35. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39.
Kenneth was 35. 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.
Kenneth was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 4.1% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Tuesdays: 19.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Mason County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was explosives, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was explosives, in 1.8% 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 explosives, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was explosives, in 0.3% of these deaths.
His people
Mason County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Kenneth among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Mason County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
