Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Marshal John Centers was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for disorderly conduct.
The shooter was then taken into custody by the county sheriff and a deputy. He was sentenced to life in prison but released after serving only three years.
Deputy Marshal Centers was a United States Union Civil War veteran and had served with the Jackson Police Department for 2 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-7EFD5D55- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Marshal Centers served with the Jackson Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John Centers served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Deputy Marshal John Centers 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 Jackson Police Department, 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. John Centers's cause is highlighted.
How John Centers Compares
Offender Outcome
Released after three years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Centers is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Centers was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Jackson Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
