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Incident
Chief of Police Robert Philpot and Deputy Sheriff Henry Reed, of the Estill County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed after being confronted by a special officer after arresting a man for bootlegging. The special officer demanded that the prisoner be released. As they argued with the officer a crowd developed and the prisoner's family were able to take him from the officers. A shootout ensued in which Deputy Reed and Chief Philpot were both shot and killed.
Survivors
Chief Philpot was survived by his 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.
Chief of Police Philpot served with the Irvine Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Irvine community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Philpot.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Irvine Police Department has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1920, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 45. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Robert was 45. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 8.3% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Fridays: 12.4%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Irvine Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 75% 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 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Irvine Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Irvine Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
