Incident
Chief of Police Edward Powell was shot and killed by a former police officer during an argument about assignments. The two were attending the opening of a restaurant at Clark Station by another former officer when the argument started. During the argument the man punched Chief Powell in the face, prompting Chief Powell to pin him to the ground. The man then drew his revolver and shot Chief Powell. The man was sentenced to two years for the murder but was pardoned by the governor at the request of one of the man's friends. Five years later the man also shot and killed this same friend and was sentenced to death for that murder. He was executed in 1924. Chief Powell had served as police chief for six months and previously served as a county probation officer for several years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn8ddx890nq3r17fz09h- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Edward. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Powell gave the Jefferson County Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Powell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jefferson County Police Department has lost 20 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Edward is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Edward is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Edward is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 1 officer at Jefferson County Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1916, 7 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edward was 35. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Jefferson County Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 35; the middle age was 34. Edward had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 3.7 years.
Edward was 35. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Edward had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Edward was 35. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 35. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 40% of these deaths at Jefferson County Police Department, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 40%.
May holds 8.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Tuesdays: 12.4%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 25% of all 20 deaths at Jefferson County Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Jefferson County Police Department has 20 officers remembered here, Edward among them.
-
H. Clarence Conner May 22, 1909
-
Edward H. Powell May 16, 1916
-
Peerless F. Stout
May 3, 1925
-
Clarence G. Rapson
Mar 6, 1931
-
Fielden Collins
Aug 23, 1932
-
Clinton M. Johnston
Jun 15, 1934
-
Frank E. Herrmann
Apr 30, 1938
-
Walter C. Wise Sep 19, 1946
-
Chester W. Korfhage
Apr 3, 1949
-
Ezra Sutherland Jun 19, 1950
-
Alvin Lee Keown
Nov 8, 1952
-
Henry E. St. Clair Apr 5, 1954
-
Delmar Whitworth, Sr.
May 24, 1960
-
Earl J. Bertram
Aug 18, 1968
-
Michael T. Smith
Mar 11, 1976
-
Mark Wynnfield Hines
Aug 29, 1976
-
Kenneth R. Nally
Nov 6, 1978
-
Christopher M. Dunn
Apr 3, 1980
-
Jack S. Deuser
Jul 29, 1986
-
Franklin Walter Pysher Jr.
Jan 10, 1989
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
19 officers from Jefferson County Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.












