Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Jailer Joe West was shot and killed in the Knox County Jail as he locked prisoners in their cells for the night.
One of the inmates suddenly pulled a gun and shot Jailer West, killing him. The jailer's brother, who was at the jail, immediately came to his aid but was also shot and wounded before the prisoner escaped.
The man was captured a short time later after a shootout with 12 officers who pursued him. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Jailer West was shot and killed on the day after his 25th birthday.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-50181FB8- 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 Jailer West served with the Knox County Detention Center.
Thank you for your service to the Barbourville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Jailer West.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Jailer Joe West 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 Knox County Detention Center, 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. Joe West's cause is highlighted.
How Joe West Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joe West is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joe West was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Knox County Detention Center are honored on badge.nw.
