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Incident
Patrolwoman Regina Nickles was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person in the parking lot of an automotive factory at 1120 Industry Road. She and her partner were approaching the suspect when he turned and fired at them. Patrolwoman Nickles was struck twice in the neck, killing her instantly. Other officers on the scene were able to return fire, severely wounding the suspect. Patrolwoman Nickles was the department's only female police officer and was running for sheriff of Mercer County. She is survived by her two children. In October 2015, U.S. Route 127 between Anderson County and Harrodsburg was renamed Officer Regina Nickles Memorial Highway.
Survivors
She is survived by her two children.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolwoman Nickles gave the Harrodsburg Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Harrodsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolwoman Nickles.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Harrodsburg Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Regina is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Regina is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Regina is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1998, 2 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1998, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1998, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Regina was 45. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Regina had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Regina was 45. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Regina had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Regina was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Regina had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Wednesdays: 11.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Harrodsburg Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Her people
Harrodsburg Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Regina among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Harrodsburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.