Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Rowland and Patrolman James Hays were shot and killed while attempting to question two brothers about a stolen automobile at the garage they operated in Franklin. One of the brothers was sentenced to life and one was sentenced to six years. The brother who was released after only six years went on to murder Deputy Sheriff Melvin Fleming, of the Davidson County, Tennessee, Sheriff's Department, and Detective Charles Mundy, of the Nashville, Tennessee, Police Department. The two were murdered after Deputy Fleming attempted to arrest the man in a restaurant for being drunk in public. The man was shot and killed in the ensuing shootout. Patrolman Rowland had served with the Kentucky Highway Patrol for three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-B6EAFD3F- 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.
Patrolman Rowland served with the Kentucky Highway Patrol.
Thank you for your service to the people of Kentucky. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Rowland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert Rowland 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 Kentucky Highway Patrol, 5 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Rowland's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Rowland Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Rowland is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Rowland was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Kentucky Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
