Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Andy Downs was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a man suspected of running an illegal drinking establishment. The suspect opened fire on him with a handgun, fatally wounding him. Deputy Downs succumbed to his injury on the scene.
The suspect was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 13 years. The next day he escaped from the Pulaski County Jail. He remained at large until December of 1936 when he was captured by state troopers in Mount Vernon. A month later he was sent to the state penitentiary to serve his 13 years.
Deputy Downs was survived by his wife and child.
Survivors
Deputy Downs was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-F5FA484A- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Andy. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Downs served with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Somerset community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Downs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Andy Downs is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, 8 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 88.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Andy Downs's cause is highlighted.
How Andy Downs Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 13 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Andy Downs is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Andy Downs was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Pulaski County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
