Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police John Gilliam was shot and killed while checking on a restaurant while making his rounds.
When he entered the restaurant a drunk man inside suddenly jumped up and opened fire on the chief, shooting him three times. Despite being mortally wounded, Chief Gilliam was able to return fire and killed the subject.
Chief Gilliam had served with the Cumberland Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-B59ACDE2- 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.
Chief of Police Gilliam gave the Cumberland Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Cumberland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Gilliam.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police John D. Gilliam 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 Cumberland Police Department, 3 of 3 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 D. Gilliam's cause is highlighted.
How John D. Gilliam Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John D. Gilliam is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John D. Gilliam was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Cumberland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
