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Incident
Officer Russell Preece was shot and killed by a man he was arguing with over a recent election. The 37-year-old suspect suddenly produced a pistol and shot him. Officer Preece managed to return fire mortally wounding the suspect.
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
20 years. You could have gone home.
Officer Preece gave the Kermit Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Kermit community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Preece.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Russell is the only officer of Kermit Police Department remembered here.
Russell is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Russell is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Russell 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 1942, 2 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1942, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 79th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1942, 120 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Russell was 45. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. Russell had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Russell was 45. 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. Russell had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Russell was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Russell had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.3% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Wednesdays: 17.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Kermit Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 handgun, in 25.4% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 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 34-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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