Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Sam Watkins was shot and killed as he another officer attempted to arrest two men they suspected of having liquor.
Both men began to resist arrest and fatally shot Policeman Watkins before fleeing the area.
Policeman Watkins was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Policeman Watkins was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-B7265AA7- 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 Samuel. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Watkins served with the Van Lear Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Van Lear community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Watkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Samuel Lewis Watkins 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. Samuel Lewis Watkins's cause is highlighted.
How Samuel Lewis Watkins Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Samuel Lewis Watkins is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Samuel Lewis Watkins was killed by gun; unknown type.