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Incident
Sheriff Wedge, Deputy Kenneth Love, and Jailer Ernest Hesson were killed when a bomb exploded inside the Mason County Jailhouse. The suspect entered the Mason County Jail armed with a shotgun and suitcase, and forced his way into the jail cell of his wife, who was in custody for the murder of their child. The suspect stated he wished to spend the night with his wife, and while talking to Sheriff Wedge fired at the suitcase, which contained approximately 30 sticks of dynamite, causing a massive explosion. Deputy Love, who was on duty at the courthouse that night, was killed instantly. Sheriff Wedge succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the blast the next day. Jailer Ernest Hesson succumbed to his injuries one week later. The suspect and his wife were also killed instantly.
Survivors
Sheriff Wedge had been if office for two years and was survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Wedge gave the Mason County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Point Pleasant community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Wedge.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mason County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Elvin is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Elvin is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elvin 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 1976, 5 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elvin was 48. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. Elvin had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Elvin was 48. 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. Elvin had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elvin was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Elvin had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 4.1% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Wednesdays: 17.2%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Mason County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was explosives, 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 explosives, in 1.8% 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 explosives, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was explosives, in 0.3% of these deaths.
His people
Mason County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Elvin among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Mason County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.