Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Morgan Pelfrey was shot and killed while attempting to remove a drunk man from a large memorial service at a cemetery in War Creek.
The man's father started arguing with Deputy Pelfrey and then pulled out a handgun. The man and Deputy Pelfrey exchanged shots and both were killed.
Deputy Pelfrey had served with the Breathitt County Sheriff's Office for several years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and several children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-08BB30B0- 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 Morgan. 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.
Deputy Sheriff Pelfrey served with the Breathitt County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Pelfrey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Morgan Pelfrey 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 Breathitt County Sheriff's Office, 9 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 90% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Morgan Pelfrey's cause is highlighted.
How Morgan Pelfrey Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Morgan Pelfrey is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Morgan Pelfrey was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Breathitt County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
