Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Theopolis Madden was shot and killed while confronting a drunk man who had been advised to leave town and go home earlier in the evening by other county officers. After the man was located in town again, Deputy Madden approached him to again ask him to go home. The suspect produced a gun and shot Deputy Madden, killing him.
The suspect, 54, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On March 16, 1934, he was pardoned by Governor Ruby Laffoon. During his trial the defense said he was insane but the prosecutor convinced the jury he was sane. Governor Laffoon said he pardoned him because he served in the World War and was wounded and suffering from shell-shock.
Deputy Madden was survived by his wife and three children.
Survivors
Deputy Madden was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-D2FB426C- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Madden served with the Knott County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hindman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Madden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Theopolis Madden 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 Knott County Sheriff's Office, 7 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 77.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Theopolis Madden's cause is highlighted.
How Theopolis Madden Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Theopolis Madden is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Theopolis Madden was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Knott County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
