Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief James Pope was shot and killed as he and an officer attempted to arrest two men who were creating a disturbance at a home on Cumberland Avenue.
Chief Pope had been summoned to a home from court, where he was testifying in a trial. When he arrived at the home with the other officer, they were confronted by the father of one of the men creating the disturbance. The father told the chief that he would bring the two men down to the court shortly. As they discussed this, one of the men came downstairs holding a gun. The officer with Chief Pope immediately began to struggle with the man as the second man came into the room from the basement.
Shots were exchanged, and Chief Pope, the first suspect, and the father were all killed. The second suspect fled the scene.
Chief Pope was a US Army veteran. He was survived by his wife.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-210DB541- 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.
Chief of Police Pope served with the Harlan Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Harlan community. Thank you 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
James C. Pope served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Chief of Police James C. Pope 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 Harlan Police Department, 3 of 3 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. James C. Pope's cause is highlighted.
How James C. Pope Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James C. Pope is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James C. Pope was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Harlan Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
