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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Tom Pendergrass was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for causing a disturbance near New Hope.
The suspect immediately opened fire on Deputy Pendergrass as he stepped from his car, striking him in the chest with a shot from a .22 caliber. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Pendergrass returned fire, fatally striking the suspect.
Deputy Pendergrass attempted to drive himself to seek help but succumbed to the wound approximately two miles away.
Deputy Pendergrass was survived by his wife, four sons, four daughters, and two brothers. One of his brothers served as a detective with the Detroit, Michigan, Police Department.
Survivors
Deputy Pendergrass was survived by his wife, four sons, four daughters, and two brothers.
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 Pendergrass served with the Owsley County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Booneville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Pendergrass.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Owsley County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1940, 13 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1940, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1940, 226 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 57. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
William was 57. 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 57. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Wednesdays: 11.1%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Owsley County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .22 caliber, 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 rifle; .22 caliber, in 0.4% 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 rifle; .22 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .22 caliber, in 0.1% of these deaths.
His people
Owsley County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Owsley County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
