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Incident
Chief of Police Silas Wilder and Deputy David Branham, of the Whitley County Sheriff's Department, were shot and killed when they attempted to arrest a man who was terrorizing local citizens.
When the deputy ordered the man to surrender, the man fired a shot that instantly killed the deputy. He then shot and mortally wounded Chief Wilder. Despite his wounds, Chief Wilder was able to return fire and killed the suspect. Chief Wilder succumbed to his wounds the following day.
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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.
Chief of Police Wilder served with the Corbin Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Corbin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Wilder.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Corbin Police Department has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Silas is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Silas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Silas 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 1901, 1 officer at Corbin Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1901, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1901, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1901, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
June holds 60% of these deaths at Corbin Police Department, more than any other month. Sundays: 20%.
June holds 8.6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Sundays: 18.7%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Corbin Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 40% 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.
His people
Corbin Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Silas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Corbin Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
