Roll of Honor
Incident
Lieutenant Edward Harding was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance at a local saloon on the corner of Ninth Street and Walnut Street (Present day Muhammad Ali Boulevard). He was making his rounds when he heard the commotion inside and entered the business to investigate. One of the men immediately produced a revolver and shot Lieutenant Harding in the shoulder.
As Lieutenant Harding fell against a counter the man then shot him in the back, killing him. As the suspect fled from the saloon he shot at another policeman. The policeman returned fire, fatally striking the suspect in the head.
Lieutenant Harding was a Lieutenant with the United States Army Second Kentucky Infantry during the Civil War. He had served with the Louisville Police Department for 20 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-EBE8E1D2- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Lieutenant Harding gave the Louisville Police Department 20 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Edward B. Harding served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Lieutenant Edward B. Harding 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 Louisville Police Department, 51 of 91 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Edward B. Harding's cause is highlighted.
How Edward B. Harding Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward B. Harding is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward B. Harding was killed by handgun; revolver.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
