Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Constable Ira Gibson was shot and killed as he and another deputy constable were searching a wooded, mountainous area near Edgewood for two suspects.
The suspects opened fire in the darkness, shooting both deputies in their backs. Deputy Gibson was killed instantly. The other deputy was slightly wounded and was able to return to town to seek help.
One suspect was arrested and acquitted. The second man fled the area but was arrested in Tennessee 12 years later. He was returned to Bell County in 1937 where he was tried and also acquitted.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-977B8C1D- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Constable Gibson served with the Bell County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Pineville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Gibson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Constable Ira Gibson 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 Bell 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. Ira Gibson's cause is highlighted.
How Ira Gibson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ira Gibson is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ira Gibson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Bell County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
