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Incident
United States Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service - Prohibition Unit, U.S. Government
Chief of Police James Melvin and Federal Prohibition Agent J. H. Reynolds were shot and killed while searching for an illegal still in Johnson County, Kentucky.
A group of five suspects opened fire on the officers, killing Chief Melvin and Agent Reynolds, and wounding a county deputy. Four suspects were apprehended and charged with murder. Two were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. One was pardoned by Governor Fields on December 23, 1926, and the other was eventually released. The fifth suspect was apprehended in St. Petersburg, Florida, January 17, 1922. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life,
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Melvin served with the Paintsville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Paintsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Melvin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Paintsville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 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 1921, 16 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
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 2 deaths at Paintsville Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 26.6% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Paintsville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Paintsville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.