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Incident
Night Watchman Joseph Self was shot and killed while confronting the occupants of a car that had pulled up in front of the University of Kentucky's Mechanical Hall (modern-day Anderson Tower) at approximately 11:00 p.m.
He had just told the occupants that he was going to take them to the police station when one of the men opened fire, striking him once.
Despite being mortally wounded, Watchman Self returned fire and wounded the suspect twice. The suspect, who was a student at the university, was taken into custody the following morning after he sought treatment for his wounds at the local hospital.
The 21-year-old suspect, who claimed Watchman Self fired first, was tried and acquitted.
Watchman Self had served with the University of Kentucky Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Night Watchman Self gave the University of Kentucky Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lexington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Watchman Self.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joseph is the only officer of University of Kentucky Police Department remembered here.
Joseph is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1923, 21 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 47. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Joseph had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Joseph was 47. 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. Joseph had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at University of Kentucky Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% 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; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from University of Kentucky Police Department are honored on badge.nw.