Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Dixon Sasser was shot and killed by a man who had just been released on bond for bootlegging.
The man opened fire on Patrolman Sasser and the Harlan police chief, who was wounded in the shooting. The suspect was also wounded in the shootout before being arrested. The man was tried twice but acquitted both times.
Patrolman Sasser was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, father, and three siblings. He was predeceased by a son. He is buried in Robinson Creek Cemetery, London, Laurel County, Kentucky.
Survivors
Patrolman Sasser was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, father, and three siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-E20B374A- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Dixon. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Sasser served with the Harlan Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Harlan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Sasser.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Dixon Allen Sasser 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 Harlan Police Department, 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. Dixon Allen Sasser's cause is highlighted.
How Dixon Allen Sasser Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dixon Allen Sasser is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dixon Allen Sasser was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Harlan Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
