Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Gannon was shot and killed after arresting a man at the site of an illegal still in East Fork. Patrolman Gannon and a deputized citizen had raided the still and took one of the men into custody as the other three fled into the woods. The citizen guarded the suspect as Patrolman Gannon dismantled the still and carried it to the roadway. Patrolman Gannon then walked the suspect to his car. As they drove back to the location of the dismantled still the suspect produced a concealed handgun and opened fire on Patrolman Gannon. A struggle ensued in the vehicle and Patrolman Gannon was able to throw the suspect out of the vehicle. The two then exchanged shots after Patrolman Gannon exited the vehicle. Patrolman Gannon was shot once in the abdomen and twice in the back. He was able to drive back to the still where the citizen was waiting. The citizen drove him to a local hospital where he remained four four days until succumbing to his wounds. The suspect was arrested in Ironton, Ohio, in January 1927.
Survivors
Patrolman Gannon was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-B47C8361- 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 Gannon served with the Boyd County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Catlettsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gannon.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Gannon 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Gannon's cause is highlighted.
How William Gannon Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Gannon is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Gannon was killed by gun; unknown type.