Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Delano Powell was shot and killed when he responded to a complaint of a man firing a shotgun at his residence in Breathitt County. The suspect, who was hiding in an outbuilding, shot Trooper Powell twice in the chest as he got out of his car. Minutes later, he shot and wounded another trooper as he arrived on the scene. A Breathitt County deputy was able to pull Trooper Powell to his patrol car and began to transport him to a hospital. He was met by an ambulance, and Trooper Powell was transferred to it but succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital. The suspect, 58, was apprehended by state troopers and deputies after a three-hour standoff. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Trooper Powell had been employed with the Kentucky State Police for 18 months.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and 3-year-old-son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-FE2F0A4B- 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 Delano. 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
You barely got started.
Trooper Powell gave the Kentucky State Police 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the people of Kentucky. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Powell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper Delano G. Powell 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 KY State Police, 12 of 29 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 41.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Delano G. Powell's cause is highlighted.
How Delano G. Powell Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Delano G. Powell is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Delano G. Powell was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
28 officers from KY State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
