Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Gruber died as a result of injuries sustained the previous day when he was struck by a drunk driver near the intersection of 41st Street and Market Street. He was investigating an automobile accident when he was struck by a vehicle while standing near his patrol car. He was taken to City Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. The suspect was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He was indicted by a grand jury on March 25, 1930. Patrolman Gruber served with the Louisville Police Department for 15 years.
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BO-US-KY-8679F4CF- Stewardship
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- 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 Gruber gave the Louisville Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gruber.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John Gruber 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. John Gruber's cause is highlighted.
How John Gruber Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Gruber is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
