Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Robert Smith and Deputy John Brooks were shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on three men wanted for robbing a miner. He had deputized four men, including John Brooks, to assist with the arrests.
As Deputy Smith read the warrant to the three men one of them produced a handgun and opened fire, striking him in the abdomen. A shootout ensued between the three suspects and five officers in which Deputy Brooks and one of the suspects were killed.
The other two suspects fled the scene but were both quickly arrested. Deputy Smith succumbed to his wounds the following day.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-38FB4ECE- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Smith served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Barbourville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Robert B. Smith 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 Knox County Sheriff's Office, 9 of 9 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. Robert B. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Robert B. Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert B. Smith is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert B. Smith was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Knox County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
