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Incident
Special Patrolman Francis Blair was shot and killed as he and a deputy sheriff attempted to arrest a man wanted for shooting a policeman in Wise County, Virginia, several days earlier.
As the two officers approached the house the suspect was in, the man opened fire.
Patrolman Blair was shot and instantly killed while the deputy was severely wounded. Despite the wound, the deputy was able to return fire and kill the suspect.
Patrolman Blair had previously served with the United States Marshals Service. He was killed on his 36th birthday.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
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.
Special Patrolman Blair served with the Whitesburg Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Whitesburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Patrolman Blair.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Francis is the only officer of Whitesburg Police Department remembered here.
Francis is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Francis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Francis 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 1911, 15 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Francis was 36. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Francis was 36. 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.
Francis was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 10.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Wednesdays: 11.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Whitesburg Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
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