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Incident
Chief of Police John Hunley was shot and killed when he attempted to arrest three drunk men who were causing a disturbance. All three men ran but one was stopped a few yards away when a sheriff's deputy shot him in the foot. Another was apprehended later in the day. The third man was well known but it is not known if he was ever apprehended. The two who were arrested were convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Survivors
Chief Hunley 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.
Chief of Police Hunley served with the Prestonsburg Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Prestonsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Hunley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Prestonsburg Police Department has lost 8 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1929, 2 officers at Prestonsburg Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1929, 18 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1929, 205 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1929, 206 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 57. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Prestonsburg Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 46 and 58.5; the middle age was 56.
John was 57. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
John was 57. 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.
John was 57. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 14.3% of these deaths at Prestonsburg Police Department; January holds the most, 28.6%. Mondays: 14.3%.
April holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 87.5% of all 8 deaths at Prestonsburg Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.3% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Prestonsburg Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Prestonsburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
