Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman John Yelenosky was shot and killed as he and another officer attempted to breakup a fight between union organizers and local workers.
As the two policemen attempted to separate the groups, shots were fired and Policeman Yelenosky was killed.
The other officer, who was wounded, was able to return fire and wounded the killer.
The 24-year-old suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison in March of 1950.
Policeman Yelenosky was survived by his wife and three children.
Survivors
Policeman Yelenosky was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-593047BF- 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.
Policeman Yelenosky gave the Lynch Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lynch community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Yelenosky.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman John Yelenosky 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 Lynch Police Department, 4 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Yelenosky's cause is highlighted.
How John Yelenosky Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 2 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Yelenosky is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Yelenosky was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Lynch Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
