Theopolis Madden

Knott County Sheriff's Office — Hindman, KY

Felonious

End of Watch March 10, 1933

Age 30

The Vigil Panel 65 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 8

Incident

Deputy Theopolis Madden was shot and killed while confronting a drunk man who had been advised to leave town and go home earlier in the evening by other county officers. After the man was located in town again, Deputy Madden approached him to again ask him to go home. The suspect produced a gun and shot Deputy Madden, killing him.

The suspect, 54, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On March 16, 1934, he was pardoned by Governor Ruby Laffoon. During his trial the defense said he was insane but the prosecutor convinced the jury he was sane. Governor Laffoon said he pardoned him because he served in the World War and was wounded and suffering from shell-shock.

Deputy Madden was survived by his wife and three children.

Survivors

Deputy Madden was survived by his wife and three children.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-KY-D2FB426C
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.
Deputy Sheriff Madden served with the Knott County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hindman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Madden.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Knott County Sheriff's Office

Location Hindman, KY

Platform Identity kcso.knott.ky.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch March 10, 1933

Age 30

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Cause Detail Gunfire

Weapon Gun; Unknown type

Offender Pardoned in 1934

Deputy Sheriff Theopolis Madden 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 Knott County Sheriff's Office, 7 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 77.8% of this agency's fallen.

Knott County Sheriff's Office

of 9 officers

77.8% Felonious

KY — Statewide

755

of 983 officers

76.8% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious