Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police Edward Powell was shot and killed by a former police officer during an argument about assignments. The two were attending the opening of a restaurant at Clark Station by another former officer when the argument started. During the argument the man punched Chief Powell in the face, prompting Chief Powell to pin him to the ground. The man then drew his revolver and shot Chief Powell. The man was sentenced to two years for the murder but was pardoned by the governor at the request of one of the man's friends. Five years later the man also shot and killed this same friend and was sentenced to death for that murder. He was executed in 1924. Chief Powell had served as police chief for six months and previously served as a county probation officer for several years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-CFEC55A6- 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 Powell gave the Jefferson County Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Powell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Edward H. Powell 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 Jefferson County Police Department, 5 of 20 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 25% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Edward H. Powell's cause is highlighted.
How Edward H. Powell Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1924
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward H. Powell is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward H. Powell was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
19 officers from Jefferson County Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
