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Incident
Deputy Kelly Walker was shot and killed as he and other prohibitions officers served warrants at a home to search for illegal stills.
As the officers approached, the suspects opened fire, killing Deputy Walker. The other deputies returned fire, killing two suspects and their mother. Over 70 bullets fired by the deputies hit the house the suspects were held up in. Miraculously seven children who were in the house were not injured.
Deputy Walker was survived by his wife and two children.
Survivors
Deputy Walker was 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.
Deputy Sheriff Walker served with the Leslie County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hyden community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Walker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Leslie County Sheriff's Office has lost 10 officers; 9 of them killed feloniously.
Kelly is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Kelly is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Kelly 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 1923, 1 officer at Leslie County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1923, 21 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Kelly was 30. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Leslie County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 34.5 and 54; the middle age was 49.5.
Kelly was 30. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Kelly was 30. 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.
Kelly was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 22.2% of these deaths at Leslie County Sheriff's Office; November holds the most, 22.2%. Wednesdays: 22.2%.
March holds 7.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Wednesdays: 11.1%.
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 90% of all 10 deaths at Leslie County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Leslie County Sheriff's Office has 10 officers remembered here, Kelly among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Leslie County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
