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Incident
Patrolman Raymond Perkins was shot and killed while he was investigating a suspicious vehicle. On June 14th, 1959, Patrolman Perkins was investigating a suspicious vehicle. He recognized the driver as a person with prior arrests and usually having outstanding warrants. Patrolman Perkins ordered the suspect out of the vehicle for questioning. As the suspect talked with the officer, his wife exited the vehicle, ran up behind Patrolman Perkins, and shot six rounds at his back. He was only hit by three of the six rounds and was able to get one shot off, hitting her in the shoulder. As a result of his injuries, he slipped into a coma from which he never recovered. Both suspects were arrested, but Patrolman Perkins' murderer served only one year. Patrolman Perkins had served with the Matewan Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 13 children.
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 Perkins gave the Matewan Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Matewan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Perkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Raymond is the only officer of Matewan Police Department remembered here.
Raymond is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Raymond is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Raymond 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 1959, 2 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1959, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1959, 62 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 129th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Raymond was 43. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. Raymond had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Raymond was 43. 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. Raymond had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Raymond was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Raymond had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.3% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Thursdays: 9.5%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Matewan Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.6% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Matewan Police Department are honored on badge.nw.