Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Dolie Harmon and a private detective were shot and killed by the brother of a man they had just arrested for deserting from the U.S. Army.
They located the man near the headwaters of Daniels Creek and placed him under arrest. Several neighbors notified the man's brother, who then came to the scene, where the detective was detaining the deserter while Deputy Harmon returned to the man's home to obtain some belongings.
When the brother approached he immediately opened fire, killing the private detective. A short time later Deputy Harmon returned to the scene and was also shot and killed by the brother. Both men fled the scene.
The deserter was arrested two years later in Tazewell County, Virginia, using a new name. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his role in the murders. It is unknown if the other brother was ever arrested.
Deputy Harmon was survived by his expectant wife.
Survivors
Deputy Harmon was survived by his expectant wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-ED5F44E3- 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 Harmon served with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Paintsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Harmon.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Dolie Clifford Harmon 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 Johnson County Sheriff's Office, 6 of 6 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. Dolie Clifford Harmon's cause is highlighted.
How Dolie Clifford Harmon Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dolie Clifford Harmon is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dolie Clifford Harmon was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Johnson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
