Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief Woolum was shot and killed while attempting to arrest an intoxicated man at the railroad depot. The suspect shot the chief three times in the abdomen and ankle. The man was arrested and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Chief Woolum had served as chief for only 38 days.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-CF825E6A- 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 Woolum served with the Pineville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Pineville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Woolum.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Robert S. Woolum 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 Pineville Police Department, 6 of 6 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. Robert S. Woolum's cause is highlighted.
How Robert S. Woolum Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 21 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert S. Woolum is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert S. Woolum was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Pineville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
