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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Nick Bodkin was shot and killed as he and another deputy attempted to break up a disturbance at a local saloon across the street from the Covington police station on Court Avenue.
A Covington policeman had become intoxicated and started a quarrel with two patrons of the saloon. As Deputy Bodkin and another deputy attempted to separate the group, the policeman pulled out his gun and opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy Bodkin and wounding the second deputy.
The policeman was arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to two years at hard labor.
Deputy Bodkin was survived by his wife, five children, and four siblings.
Survivors
Deputy Bodkin was survived by his wife, five children, and four siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Bodkin served with the Kenton County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Covington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Bodkin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kenton County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Nicholas is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Nicholas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Nicholas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1902, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1902, 104 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1902, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Nicholas was 41. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Nicholas was 41. 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.
Nicholas was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 10.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Kenton County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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, 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Kenton County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Nicholas among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Kenton County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.