Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Walter Vance was shot and killed after he and his partner attempted to question a suspect in a small restaurant.
The two officers, who were in plainclothes, had gone to the restaurant for their meal break. As they were eating, a man entered and acted suspiciously.
Believing that the man was about to rob the business, Patrolman Vance's partner approached him and displayed his badge. The suspect pulled out a knife and began to struggle with the officer. The man was able to break free and was pursued from the store by Patrolman Vance.
As they ran through a group of people standing on the sidewalk, one of the bystanders shot Patrolman Vance.
Patrolman Vance was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds later in the evening.
Patrolman Vance had served with the Louisville Police Department for only 25 days. He was survived by his wife, four children, parents, and brother. His brother also served as a Louisville patrolman at the time of his murder.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four children, parents, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-588F0046- 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.
Patrolman Vance served with the Louisville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Vance.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Walter Vance 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 Louisville Police Department, 51 of 91 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter Vance's cause is highlighted.
How Walter Vance Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter Vance is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter Vance was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
