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Incident
Policeman John Yelenosky was shot and killed as he and another officer attempted to breakup a fight between union organizers and local workers.
As the two policemen attempted to separate the groups, shots were fired and Policeman Yelenosky was killed.
The other officer, who was wounded, was able to return fire and wounded the killer.
The 24-year-old suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison in March of 1950.
Policeman Yelenosky was survived by his wife and three children.
Survivors
Policeman Yelenosky was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Policeman Yelenosky gave the Lynch Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lynch community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Yelenosky.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lynch Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1949, 6 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 39th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1949, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1949, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 40. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 40. 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. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Tuesdays: 12.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Lynch Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% 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
Lynch Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Lynch Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
