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Incident
Patrolman Key was shot and killed after responding to a shoplifting call. Upon arrival to the scene he was informed that the suspect was involved in a minor traffic accident. He located the suspect and ordered him out of his vehicle at gunpoint after several request for him to exit the car. As Patrolman Key began searching the suspect, the man spun around and shot Patrolman Key in the leg with a 9 mm handgun. Patrolman Key was able to return fire, striking the suspect. The two men then positioned themselves on opposite sides a truck and had a shootout where Patrolman Key shot the suspect in the legs and waist, instead of in the chest, in attempt to wound the man. Patrolman Key's weapon jammed and the man jumped on top of the truck and shot him. The suspect, 26, was apprehended by responding officers and subsequently sentenced to life in prison. In 1980 he was granted a new trial. The result of is unknown.
Survivors
Patrolman Key had been with the agency for three years and is survived by his wife, three sons, and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Patrolman Key gave the Hernando Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hernando community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Key.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rory is the only officer of Hernando Police Department remembered here.
Rory is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Rory is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Rory 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 1974, 4 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Rory was 61. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Rory had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Rory was 61. 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. Rory had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Rory was 61. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Rory had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.2% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Fridays: 14%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hernando Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 16% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Hernando Police Department are honored on badge.nw.