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Incident
Officer Paul Ketron was shot and killed while investigating the shooting of a man that had been reported an hour earlier. He and the police chief had gone to the suspect's home to question him. As Officer Ketron walked around the back of the house, the suspect fired a shot from inside, killing him. When the police chief ran to the back of the home, the suspect was able to escape the scene. The 31-year-old suspect was apprehended eight days later after being shot three times by officers in Springfield. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Weeks later, his execution was canceled when he was adjudged insane. Officer Ketron had served with the Nicholasville Police Department for 3-1/2 years and had previously served with the Kentucky State Highway Department. His uncle was a retired Lexington Patrolman. Officer Ketron was survived by his expectant wife. His son was born six months later.
Survivors
Officer Ketron was survived by his expectant wife.
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.
Officer Ketron gave the Nicholasville Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Nicholasville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Ketron.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Nicholasville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1941, 7 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1941, 92 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1941, 260 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 31. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. William had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 31. 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. William had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Wednesdays: 11.1%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Nicholasville Police Department, 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
Nicholasville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Nicholasville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
