Incident
Deputy Constable James Bush was shot and killed in Ligon while attempting to arrest a man at a dance hall after a shooting.
A man upset about having to pay to attend the dance opened fire, killing one of the organizers. Deputy Bush and another deputy attempted to arrest the man but were also shot. Deputy Bush was killed and the second deputy was wounded. Four other men were killed and four wounded during the ensuing shooting between family members of the suspect and first victim.
Deputy Constable was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and two siblings.
Survivors
Deputy Constable was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, and two siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-B36DE225- 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.
Deputy Constable Bush served with the Floyd County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Prestonburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Constable Bush.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Constable James H. Bush 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 Floyd County Constable's Office, 11 of 11 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. James H. Bush's cause is highlighted.
How James H. Bush Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James H. Bush is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James H. Bush was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Floyd County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.

