Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Roscoe Flanary succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained five days earlier at the scene of a political speech preceding an upcoming election.
One of the spectators fired a shot at another man he held a grudge against. The shot missed the intended target but struck Policeman Flanary in the chest. His condition worsened until succumbing to his wound four days later.
The suspect was arrested by the Wise County sheriff who was standing nearby when the shot was fired.
No passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) November 1st, 2020
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-A490F43D- Stewardship
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- 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.
Policeman Flanary served with the Coeburn Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Coeburn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Flanary.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Roscoe Flanary 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Coeburn Police Department, 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. Roscoe Flanary's cause is highlighted.
How Roscoe Flanary Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Roscoe Flanary is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Roscoe Flanary was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Coeburn Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
