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Incident
Patrolman Gannon was shot and killed after arresting a man at the site of an illegal still in East Fork. Patrolman Gannon and a deputized citizen had raided the still and took one of the men into custody as the other three fled into the woods. The citizen guarded the suspect as Patrolman Gannon dismantled the still and carried it to the roadway. Patrolman Gannon then walked the suspect to his car. As they drove back to the location of the dismantled still the suspect produced a concealed handgun and opened fire on Patrolman Gannon. A struggle ensued in the vehicle and Patrolman Gannon was able to throw the suspect out of the vehicle. The two then exchanged shots after Patrolman Gannon exited the vehicle. Patrolman Gannon was shot once in the abdomen and twice in the back. He was able to drive back to the still where the citizen was waiting. The citizen drove him to a local hospital where he remained four four days until succumbing to his wounds. The suspect was arrested in Ironton, Ohio, in January 1927.
Survivors
Patrolman Gannon was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Gannon served with the Boyd County Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Catlettsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gannon.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Boyd County Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1926, 22 officers in KY were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 45. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
William was 45. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
William was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 8.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Tuesdays: 12.4%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Boyd County Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 14.4% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Boyd County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.