John Doyle

Bell County Sheriff's Department — Pineville, KY

Felonious

End of Watch February 17, 1902

The Vigil Panel 17 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 25

Incident

Posseman John Doyle and Deputy Sheriff Charles Cecil were shot and killed at a saloon near Middlesboro as they attempted to arrest several subjects who had stolen mules.

As they arrived on the scene with several other posse members the bartender fired from a window killing Deputy Cecil. His companions returned fire killing the bartender. In an ensuing gun battle Posseman Doyle and several of the suspects were killed. Several others escaped.

Mr. Doyle, On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Bell County.

R.I.P. USBP

Ao United States Border Patrol February 17th, 2022

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-KY-AB7007CA
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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.
Posseman Doyle served with the Bell County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Pineville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Posseman Doyle.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Bell County Sheriff's Department

Location Pineville, KY

Platform Identity bcso.bell.ky.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch February 17, 1902

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Rifle

Posseman John Doyle 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 Bell County Sheriff's Department, 24 of 26 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 92.3% of this agency's fallen.

Bell County Sheriff's Department

of 26 officers

92.3% Felonious

KY — Statewide

755

of 983 officers

76.8% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious