Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police John Miller and Constable Henry Spencer, of the Breathitt County Constable's Office, were shot and killed while raiding a home on the outskirts of town in Snake Valley that was suspected of having illegal liquor.
Two men were arrested inside the home and taken out front, where Constable Spencer stood guard over them. Chief Miller re-entered the home to arrest a third man but was shot several times while inside. The man then exited the home and exchanged shots with Constable Miller, striking him multiple times.
Despite his wounds, Constable Spencer returned fire and wounded the subject. The man, along with the other two, fled into the nearby hills. The 40-year-old shooter was identified but never apprehended.
Constable Spencer was taken to a local hospital where he died of his wounds on November 2nd, 1927.
Chief Miller had served with the Jackson Police Department for approximately three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-74D73EF8- 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.
Chief of Police Miller gave the Jackson Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Miller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police John E. Miller 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 Jackson Police Department, 5 of 5 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 E. Miller's cause is highlighted.
How John E. Miller Compares
Offender Outcome
Never apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John E. Miller is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John E. Miller was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Jackson Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
