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Incident
Patrol Officer David Childs and Trooper James McNeely, of the Kentucky State Police, drowned when their boat went over Dam 4 on the Kentucky River.
The officers were searching for two missing juveniles when the accident occurred.
Officer Childs had served with the Kentucky Water Patrol for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtntg1f5hwtyp291n36bz- Stewardship
- 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.
Patrol Officer Childs gave the Kentucky Water Patrol 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Frankfort community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrol Officer Childs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
David is the only officer of Kentucky Water Patrol remembered here.
David is one of 161 officers lost to accidents in KY, 16.4% of the 984 remembered there.
David is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1972, 5 officers in KY were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1937, with 7.
In 1972, 85 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 19th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1972, 98 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
David was 39. Of the 150 lost to accidents in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 49.8; the middle age was 39. David had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 39. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. David had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 39. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. David had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 13.7% of these deaths in KY, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.1%.
April holds 7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
April holds 7% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Kentucky Water Patrol.
Accident deaths account for 16.4% of all 984 deaths in KY, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Kentucky Water Patrol are honored on badge.nw.