Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Gurley was shot and killed on election day by a candidate who had just lost his bid for the office of sheriff. Policeman Gurley and the police chief followed the candidate, his brother, and another man to their car and demanded the candidate give them a pistol he had. When he refused to give them his pistol a gunfight resulted ending with the death of Policeman Gurley and the chief seriously wounded. The three fled the scene but were arrested after being wounded during a massive manhunt. The candidate and his brother were adjudged insane and committed at a insane asylum for the criminally insane in Nashville. The candidate was determined sane in 1973, convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was given credit for the time he served in the asylum and was paroled on August 1, 1973. His brother served a few years in the asylum. The other suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 99 years.
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Gurley served with the Lexington Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Lexington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Gurley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Arthur Gurley is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 64.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Lexington Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Arthur Gurley's cause is highlighted.
How Arthur Gurley Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Arthur Gurley is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Arthur Gurley was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lexington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
