Roll of Honor
Incident
Agent John Kahl was shot and killed while executing a narcotics-related search warrant at an apartment on Railroad Avenue in Morgan City. The agents had knocked on the door and announced the search warrant. The subject inside opened the door and immediately opened fire with a .44 magnum. The bullet struck Agent Kahl in the head, killing him instantly. The subject was killed by other officers returning fire. A large amount of amphetamine and currency was located in the apartment. Agent Kahl was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office for 13 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, father, brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-LA-58ADC9FF- 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.
Agent Kahl gave the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Franklin community, and 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
John I. Kahl served in the Navy (1966â1968) before joining law enforcement.
Agent John I. Kahl 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 LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 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. John I. Kahl's cause is highlighted.
How John I. Kahl Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John I. Kahl is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John I. Kahl was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
