Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Sam Fields was shot and killed after arresting a drunk man at a roadhouse near the Perry County - Leslie County line.
He had placed the man in the back of his car and was talking with two Leslie County deputies when the prisoner's father-in-law approached and opened fire without warning, killing Deputy Fields. The two Leslie County deputies returned fire, wounding the shooter, before arresting him.
The man Deputy Fields had originally arrested fled the scene, but was arrested a short time later. The shooter's son was also arrested at the scene. All three men were charged in connection with Deputies Fields' murder.
On May 7, 1957 all three men were acquitted of Deputy Fields' murder. Three weeks later Deputy Fields' killer was was shot and killed in Hyden by Leslie County Deputy Sheriff Willie Lewis. Deputy Lewis and the Leslie County Sheriff were attempting to arrest the man along with three other men who were causing a disturbance. As the sheriff was trying to wrestle a gun from the man Deputy Lewis shot him. On June 26, 1957, in retaliation, one of the other three men shot and killed Deputy Lewis near his home.
Thank you for your service Sir, RIP
James Kotke Civilian / Former Officer WSF Park Police (Wi.) June 11th, 2012
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- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Fields served with the Perry County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hazard community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Fields.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Sam Fields served in the U.S. Army (1942â1945) before joining law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff Sam Fields 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 Perry County Sheriff's Office, 19 of 19 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. Sam Fields's cause is highlighted.
How Sam Fields Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Sam Fields is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Sam Fields was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
Military Service
Sam Fields served in the U.S. Army (1942–1945) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Sam Fields’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
18 officers from Perry County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
