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Incident
Policeman James Coldiron and Chief William Holcomb were shot and killed while investigating a complaint that a miner had brought a firearm into the U.S. Coal and Coke Company mine.
The mine foreman had caught the man with the gun and reported it to the police chief. The chief, Policeman Coldiron, and the foreman located the man, along with three other men, in the company's bathhouse. As they spoke all four men opened fire, killing Chief Holcomb, Policeman Coldiron, and the foreman.
Two of the suspects were wounded by return fire and all four were taken into custody. All four were tried and acquitted. In 1932 one was shot and killed in Harlan County. In 1933 two were charged with another murder in Harlan County. One of them died before the trial.
Policeman Coldiron was survived by his wife and four children, and his parents.
Survivors
Policeman Coldiron was survived by his wife and four children, and his 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.
Policeman Coldiron served with the Lynch Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Lynch community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Coldiron.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lynch Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 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 1921, 16 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
James was 39. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
James was 39. 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 was 39. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Fridays: 12.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Lynch Police Department, the most common cause. 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.
His people
Lynch Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Lynch Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
