Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Paul Ketron was shot and killed while investigating the shooting of a man that had been reported an hour earlier. He and the police chief had gone to the suspect's home to question him. As Officer Ketron walked around the back of the house, the suspect fired a shot from inside, killing him. When the police chief ran to the back of the home, the suspect was able to escape the scene. The 31-year-old suspect was apprehended eight days later after being shot three times by officers in Springfield. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Weeks later, his execution was canceled when he was adjudged insane. Officer Ketron had served with the Nicholasville Police Department for 3-1/2 years and had previously served with the Kentucky State Highway Department. His uncle was a retired Lexington Patrolman. Officer Ketron was survived by his expectant wife. His son was born six months later.
Survivors
Officer Ketron was survived by his expectant wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-433BBF45- 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.
Officer Ketron gave the Nicholasville Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Nicholasville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Ketron.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer William Paul Ketron 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 Nicholasville Police Department, 1 of 2 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. William Paul Ketron's cause is highlighted.
How William Paul Ketron Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Paul Ketron is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Paul Ketron was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Nicholasville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
