Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police Silas Wilder and Deputy David Branham, of the Whitley County Sheriff's Department, were shot and killed when they attempted to arrest a man who was terrorizing local citizens.
When the deputy ordered the man to surrender, the man fired a shot that instantly killed the deputy. He then shot and mortally wounded Chief Wilder. Despite his wounds, Chief Wilder was able to return fire and killed the suspect. Chief Wilder succumbed to his wounds the following day.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-20801293- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Silas. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Wilder served with the Corbin Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Corbin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Wilder.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Silas Wilder 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 Corbin Police Department, 5 of 5 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. Silas Wilder's cause is highlighted.
How Silas Wilder Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Silas Wilder is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Silas Wilder was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Corbin Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
