Roll of Honor
Incident
Jailer William Coffey was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a drunk and disorderly man in the Greensburg public square.
The Greensburg town marshal was out of town at the time and Jailer Coffey was called upon to arrest the man. The man pushed Jailer Coffey away and immediately shot him in the face before fleeing on his horse.
As he fled he encountered another officer who was riding into town and told him that he had just killed a man. The officer, not believing him, let him go and continued into town where he learned of the shooting. He immediately went in pursuit of the man and arrested him.
The subject was convicted of manslaughter in connection with Jailer Coffey's murder and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Jailer Coffey was only days away from ending his term as jailer when he was murdered.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and young daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-F465CB19- 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 William. 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.
Jailer Coffey served with the Green County Jail.
Thank you for your service to the Greensburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Jailer Coffey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Jailer William Vernon Coffey 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Vernon Coffey's cause is highlighted.
How William Vernon Coffey Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 21 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Vernon Coffey is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Vernon Coffey was killed by gun; unknown type.