Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Vadas Richardson was shot and killed when he stopped to render aid to a vehicle parked on the side of Highway 25 near London, Kentucky. As he approached the vehicle one of the occupants opened fire, striking him in the chest. Patrolman Richardson's partner and two deputies who had pulled up just before the shooting started returned fire. One of the deputies was also wounded. The subject, who was a convicted murderer on parole, was able to flee but committed suicide the following morning at his sister's home. Two other men were arrested and charged in connection with the murder. Patrolman Richardson was a WWII veteran and had served with the Kentucky Highway Patrol for only six weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, two sisters, and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-226E7103- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Richardson served with the Kentucky Highway Patrol.
Thank you for your service to the people of Kentucky, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Vadas G. Richardson served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Vadas G. Richardson 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. Vadas G. Richardson's cause is highlighted.
How Vadas G. Richardson Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Vadas G. Richardson is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Vadas G. Richardson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Kentucky Highway Patrol are honored on badge.nw.
