Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police John Hunley was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest three drunk men who were causing a disturbance. All three men ran but one was stopped a few yards away when a sheriff's deputy shot him in the foot. Another was apprehended later in the day. The third man was well known but it is not known if he was ever apprehended. The two who were arrested were convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Survivors
Chief Hunley was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-C16E4575- 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.
Chief of Police Hunley served with the Prestonsburg Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Prestonsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Hunley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police John Hunley 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 Prestonsburg Police Department, 7 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 87.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Hunley's cause is highlighted.
How John Hunley Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Hunley is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Hunley was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Prestonsburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
