Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Matthew Collins was shot and killed while coming to the aid of a deputy who was attempting to arrest a drunk man outside of a roadhouse in Isom.
Two brothers, 24 and 26, were causing a disturbance and were intoxicated. A deputy was attempting to arrest one of the men when the brother jumped him. The two subjects had the deputy on the ground and were beating him when Constable Collins started across the street to come to the deputy's aid. One of the brothers grabbed the deputy's pistol and fired two shots at Constable Collins. He was transported to Jenkins hospital, where he succumbed to his chest wound.
One subject was immediately arrested, and the other was apprehended a few weeks later. One brother was tried and acquitted on January 21, 1949. On the same day, his brother's case was continued to a date in April. He was also acquitted.
He was survived by his wife and brother, who became Constable after his death.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and brother, who became Constable after his death.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-E3E5F121- 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.
Constable Collins served with the Letcher County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Whitesburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Collins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Matthew Collins 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 Letcher County Constable's Office, 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. Matthew Collins's cause is highlighted.
How Matthew Collins Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Matthew Collins is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Matthew Collins was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Letcher County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
