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Incident
Deputy Joseph Patterson was shot and killed after arresting a man wanted as a witness during the current term of the circuit court.
After arresting him, the man produced a gun and fatally shot Deputy Patterson.
Deputy Patterson was survived by his brother, who served as the county sheriff.
Survivors
Deputy Patterson was survived by his brother, who served as the county sheriff.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-N78S-A098-8earlier record number BO-US-KY-C83914D1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
129 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Patterson served with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Tompkinsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joseph is the only officer of Monroe County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Joseph is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1897, 6 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1897, 52 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 137th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1897, 54 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 136th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
May holds 8.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Fridays: 12.4%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Monroe County Sheriff's Office. 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 57.2% of all 27,543 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 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
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