Incident
Deputy Jerry Combs was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men who were creating a disturbance at the Federal Surplus Commodities Office.
Both men were arrested and charged with murder. The 26-year-old shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled on July 18, 1946.
Deputy Combs was survived by his wife and eight children.
Survivors
Deputy Combs was survived by his wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-6463D6D3- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Combs served with the Breathitt County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Combs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Jerry Combs 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 Breathitt County Sheriff's Office, 9 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 90% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Jerry Combs's cause is highlighted.
How Jerry Combs Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1946
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Jerry Combs is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Jerry Combs was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Breathitt County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.




