Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolwoman Regina Nickles was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person in the parking lot of an automotive factory at 1120 Industry Road. She and her partner were approaching the suspect when he turned and fired at them. Patrolwoman Nickles was struck twice in the neck, killing her instantly. Other officers on the scene were able to return fire, severely wounding the suspect. Patrolwoman Nickles was the department's only female police officer and was running for sheriff of Mercer County. She is survived by her two children. In October 2015, U.S. Route 127 between Anderson County and Harrodsburg was renamed Officer Regina Nickles Memorial Highway.
Survivors
She is survived by her two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-0FB50824- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolwoman Nickles gave the Harrodsburg Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Harrodsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolwoman Nickles.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolwoman Regina Woodward Nickles 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 Harrodsburg Police Dept., 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Regina Woodward Nickles's cause is highlighted.
How Regina Woodward Nickles Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with capital murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Regina Woodward Nickles is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Regina Woodward Nickles was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Harrodsburg Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
