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Incident
Sergeant Ryan succumbed to gunshot wounds received the previous night while responding to a burglary call with another officer on South Fourth Street. The officers encountered a man with an automatic rifle. The suspect opened fire, striking Sergeant Ryan six times. He was transported to Ephraim McDowell Memorial Hospital where he died the following day. A 36-year-old suspect was later arrested, tried, and acquitted. Sergeant Ryan, who was scheduled to retire two months later, was survived by his son, who was also a member of the agency at the time of the shooting. Sergeant Ryan had served with the Danville Police Department for 26 years. He was survived by his son, two sisters, and five grandchildren. He was buried in Bellevue Cemetery.
Survivors
Sergeant Ryan, who was scheduled to retire two months later, was survived by his son, who was also a member of the agency at the time of the shooting. He was survived by his son, two sisters, and five grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
26 years. You could have gone home.
Sergeant Ryan gave the Danville Police Department 26 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Danville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Ryan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Danville Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James 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 1968, 2 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1968, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1968, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 64. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. James had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 64. 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. James had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 64. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 26 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 10.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Danville Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.6% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Danville Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Danville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
