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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Reams was stabbed to death while breaking up a disturbance. Despite his wounds, he was able to ride home to his family before dying with his wife by his side.
Survivors
Deputy Reams was survived by his wife and seven 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
172 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Reams served with the Laurel County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the London community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Laurel County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 4 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 1854, 1 officer in KY was killed feloniously, the 112th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1854, 9 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 173rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1854, 12 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 175th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 36. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
William was 36. 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 was 36. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 10.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Tuesdays: 12.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Laurel County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 0.8% 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 edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
Laurel County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Laurel County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
