Roll of Honor
Incident
Town Marshal Joel Fergeson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a drunk man who was acting disorderly.
The man had drawn a pistol in an attempt to shoot another citizen, but Marshal Fergeson was able to disarm him. The man then went home, retrieved a shotgun, and returned to confront Marshal Jones. The man fired at Marshal Jones, who was able to knock the barrel away the shot went into the ground. The man then took several steps back and fired the second barrel, striking Marshal Fergeson in the groin.
Marshal Fergeson succumbed to his wounds several hours later.
Marshal Fergeson was survived by his wife and five siblings. He was predeceased by his infant son.
Survivors
Marshal Fergeson was survived by his wife and five siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-A55A56BD- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Joel. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
146 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Town Marshal Fergeson served with the Murray Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Murray community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal Joel Woodson Fergeson 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 Murray Police Department, 3 of 3 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. Joel Woodson Fergeson's cause is highlighted.
How Joel Woodson Fergeson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joel Woodson Fergeson is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joel Woodson Fergeson was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Murray Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
