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Incident
Marshal Nicholas Hopperton was shot and killed by a man he was attempting to throw out of town for being drunk. As the marshal escorted the man to the town line the man suddenly opened fire with his shotgun, striking Marshal Hopperton in the stomach. As Marshal Hopperton fell he fired two shots from his revolver, wounding the suspect. The suspect and Marshal Hopperton then fired at each other again. Marshal Hopperton was fatally wounded. The suspect was seriously wounded, but recovered from his wound. He was tried for Marshal Hopperton's murder but was acquitted at trial after claiming self defense. Marshal Hopperton had served with the agency for 1 year.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife and child.
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
You barely got started.
Marshal Hopperton gave the Independence Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Independence community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Hopperton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nicholas is the only officer of Independence Police Department remembered here.
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 35. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Nicholas had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Nicholas was 35. 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 had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Nicholas was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Nicholas had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 10.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Independence 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 34,117 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 39-W
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