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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Fred Adams was shot and killed while attempting to break up a fight at a local beer parlor in East Point, Kentucky.
The incident started when a man and the man's brother started a fight with a former constable who had previously arrested the man.
Deputy Adams and the bar's owner had taken the brothers outside when the men suddenly opened fire. The bar's owner was killed instantly. Although mortally wounded, Deputy Adams returned fire and killed both brothers.
Deputy Adams had served as a deputy sheriff for approximately three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Adams served with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Paintsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Adams.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Johnson County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Fred is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Fred is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Fred 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 1939, 1 officer at Johnson County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1939, 10 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1939, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1939, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Fred was 67. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Johnson County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 28.8 and 51.3; the middle age was 34. Fred had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6.1 years.
Fred was 67. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Fred had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Fred was 67. 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. Fred had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Fred was 67. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Fred had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 16.7% of these deaths at Johnson County Sheriff's Office; November holds the most, 16.7%. Saturdays: 50%.
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Johnson County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 16.7% 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.
His people
Johnson County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Fred among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Johnson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
