Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff George Kellum was shot and killed while transporting a prisoner to jail.
He had just arrested the man for possessing five gallons of illegal whiskey in his car. While traveling on White Oak Creek Road, the man pulled out a concealed handgun and shot Sheriff Kellum.
The 23-year-old suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life. On November 12, 1968, he was informed that he was eligible for parole.
Sheriff Kellum had served with the Brown County Sheriff's Department for ten months.
NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sheriff George P. Kellum of the Brown County Sheriff's Department, Ohio, and the additional 80 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired) Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation October 9th, 2024
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- 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.
Sheriff Kellum served with the Brown County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Georgetown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Kellum.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff George P. Kellum 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 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. George P. Kellum's cause is highlighted.
How George P. Kellum Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George P. Kellum is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George P. Kellum was killed by handgun.