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Incident
Chief James Smith was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance. As he and another officer spoke with the suspect, the suspect grabbed a shotgun and fired once striking the chief in the abdomen. Both officers returned fire critically wounding the suspect. The 55 year-old suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 21 years in prison. In 1936 he had served a year in prison for biting off the fingers of a Barbourville police officer who had arrested him for public drunkenness.
Survivors
Chief Smith is survived by his wife and two 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.
Chief of Police Smith gave the Barbourville Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Barbourville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Barbourville Police Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1962, 1 officer at Barbourville Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1962, 1 officer in KY was killed feloniously, the 112th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1962, 67 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 107th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1962, 67 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 116th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 43. Of the 3 killed feloniously at Barbourville Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 37.5 and 41.5; the middle age was 40. James had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 9.5 years.
James was 43. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. James had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James 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. James had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 20% of these deaths at Barbourville Police Department; December holds the most, 60%. Fridays: 20%.
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Fridays: 12.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Barbourville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.2% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Barbourville Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Barbourville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
