Prev
Incident
Deputy Andy Downs was shot and killed as he attempted to arrest a man suspected of running an illegal drinking establishment. The suspect opened fire on him with a handgun, fatally wounding him. Deputy Downs succumbed to his injury on the scene.
The suspect was apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 13 years. The next day he escaped from the Pulaski County Jail. He remained at large until December of 1936 when he was captured by state troopers in Mount Vernon. A month later he was sent to the state penitentiary to serve his 13 years.
Deputy Downs was survived by his wife and child.
Survivors
Deputy Downs was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq0ch1gs789c0n6xf17n- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Andy. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Downs served with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Somerset community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Downs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pulaski County Sheriff's Department has lost 9 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
Andy is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Andy is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Andy 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 1907, 1 officer at Pulaski County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 7 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 2.
In 1907, 10 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1907, 108 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1907, 109 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Andy was 35. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Pulaski County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 48; the middle age was 37.
Andy was 35. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Andy was 35. 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.
Andy was 35. 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 37.5% of these deaths at Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, more than any other month. Thursdays: 25%.
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 88.9% of all 9 deaths at Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 12.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Pulaski County Sheriff's Department has 9 officers remembered here, Andy among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Pulaski County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
