Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Joseph Gibson was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call involving a man with a gun. The 28-year-old suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. A year later he received a second trial and was sentenced to life. Sheriff Gibson's brother, Everett Gibson, was shot and killed two years later, on July 25, 1949, while also serving as sheriff of Wayne County.
Survivors
Sheriff Gibson was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-D689EB3F- 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.
Sheriff Gibson served with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Monticello community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Gibson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Joseph Jones Gibson 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 Wayne County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 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. Joseph Jones Gibson's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Jones Gibson Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Jones Gibson is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Jones Gibson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Wayne County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
