Roll of Honor
Gustavus James Simmons
Incident
Prohibition Officer Gus Simmons was shot and killed from ambush as he and three other state prohibition officers searched for a still in along the Jenny Branch of the Little White Oak Creek in Wyoming County.
As the raiding party made its way toward the still Officer Simmons was shot in the back from ambush. The shooters were able to flee the scene as the other officers sought cover and retreated to call for assistance.
Several members of one family were arrested and charged with his murder. Two were convicted and sentenced to life, while three others were acquitted.
Officer Simmons had given up a life of farming to become a prohibition officer after his son was given illegal liquor by moonshiners.
Prohibition Officer Gustavis Simmons was my great-grandfather. I am Garland Simmons Jr. My father (Garland Simmons Sr.) was Earl Simmons’ son. He was born in 1934. A few years after Gustavis was killed. I am also a police officer. Thank you for your service and dedication. You obviously had a huge impact on your family.
SGT Garland Simmons Great-Grandfather April 6th, 2024
In Our Keeping
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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.
Prohibition Officer Simmons gave the West Virginia Department of Prohibition 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Prohibition Officer Simmons.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Prohibition Officer Gustavus James Simmons 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 WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 18.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At West Virginia Department of Prohibition, 12 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 92.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Gustavus James Simmons's cause is highlighted.
How Gustavus James Simmons Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Gustavus James Simmons is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Gustavus James Simmons was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from West Virginia Department of Prohibition are honored on badge.nw.
