Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman John Burns was shot and killed in the gallery of the Princess Theater by an ex-convict.
The suspect produced a pistol and opended fire when Policeman Burns threatened to arrest him for vagrancy, killing him and and a innocent bystander. The suspect was apprehended four days later at Mingo Hollow, four miles from the scene of his crime.
On January 19, 1905, the suspect, who claimed self defense, was tried and acquitted.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-570FC3F5- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Burns served with the Middlesboro Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Middlesboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Burns.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman John Burns is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,588 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 22.9 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At Middlesboro Police Department, 2 of 2 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. John Burns's cause is highlighted.
How John Burns Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Burns is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Burns was killed by handgun; pistol.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Middlesboro Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
