Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Banahan was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while directing traffic on the Jefferson Street Viaduct. The driver of the car was arrested a short time later. Officer Banahan had served with the agency for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-D8A6D8C0- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Banahan gave the Lexington Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lexington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Banahan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer James Banahan 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 Lexington Police Department, 8 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Banahan's cause is highlighted.
How James Banahan Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Banahan is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Banahan was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Lexington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
