Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Henry Spencer and Chief of Police John Miller, of the Jackson Police Department, were shot and killed while raiding a home on the outskirts of town in Snake Valley that was suspected of having illegal liquor.
Two men were arrested inside the home and taken out front, where Constable Spencer stood guard over them. Chief Miller re-entered the home to arrest the third man but was shot several times while inside. The man then exited the home and exchanged shots with Constable Miller, striking him multiple times.
Despite his wounds, Constable Spencer returned fire and wounded the subject. The man, along with the other two, fled into the nearby hills. The 40-year-old shooter was identified but never apprehended.
Constable Spencer was taken to a local hospital where he died of his wounds on November 2nd, 1927.
Constable Spencer was appointed constable after his brother, Constable Jim Spencer, was shot and killed in the line of duty on January 29th, 1927.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-CFF33685- Stewardship
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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.
Constable Spencer served with the Breathitt County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Spencer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Henry Spencer 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 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 76.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Breathitt County Constable's Office, 5 of 5 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. Henry Spencer's cause is highlighted.
How Henry Spencer Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Henry Spencer is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Henry Spencer was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Breathitt County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
