Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Allen was shot and killed from ambush while arresting three men for being drunk in public.
He had been called to a dance at approximately 10:30 pm and encountered three men in an automobile. After arresting two of the men he returned to the automobile and was attempting to wake up a man who was believed to be sleeping. As he did so, a man hiding behind a tree 15 feet away shot him in the head with a shotgun, killing him instantly. A watchman from the United States Veteran's Hospital who had accompanied him on the call went into the dance hall to call for backup. When he returned the two prisoners and third man had all fled.
All three suspects were apprehended, convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 5 years. On September 26, 1931, Patrolman Allen's killer was shot and killed and his 18-year-old son was wounded when they and others were involved in a shootout in Central City with Chief of Police James Charlie Smith over illegal liquor activities. Chief Smith was also killed.
Patrolman Allen had previously served as chief of police for the Dawson Springs Police Department and as a watchman with the United States Veteran's Hospital. He was survived by his wife, three children. two brothers, and two sisters.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-KY-51D7244C- Stewardship
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- 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.
County Patrolman Allen served with the Hopkins County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Madisonville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, County Patrolman Allen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
County Patrolman John F. Allen 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John F. Allen's cause is highlighted.
How John F. Allen Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 5 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John F. Allen is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John F. Allen was killed by shotgun.