Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Melvin Gregory was shot and killed from ambush while speaking with a boy in Harlan. The suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life. He was pardoned August 25, 1927, by Governor William J. Fields after the judge in the case said he thought the suspect was innocent.
It was believed that he was slain in revenge for his efforts to arrest bootleggers in the county.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-92B7E2D7- 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.
Patrolman Gregory served with the Harlan County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Harlan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gregory.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Melvin Gregory 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 Harlan County Police Department, 2 of 2 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. Melvin Gregory's cause is highlighted.
How Melvin Gregory Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Melvin Gregory is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Melvin Gregory was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Harlan County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
