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Incident
Detective James Kirk suffered a fatal heart attack following a struggle with an armed subject.
He had responded to back up other officers dealing with the non-compliant subject. After running to the officers a struggle ensued before the man was taken into custody.
The following day Detective Kirk had gone to the Powell County Courthouse to obtain a search warrant on an unrelated case. As he was leaving the courthouse he suddenly collapsed outside of the building. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Detective Kirk had served in law enforcement in Powell County for 18 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, four daughters, grandson, mother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Detective Kirk gave the Stanton Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Stanton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Kirk.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
James is the only officer of Stanton Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 44 officers lost to cardiac events in KY, 4.5% of the 984 remembered there.
James is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.9% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2020, 1 officer in KY was lost to cardiac events, the 7th heaviest of 36 years on record. The heaviest was 2024, with 4.
In 2020, 11 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 54th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2020, 11 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 54th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
James was 40. Of the 41 lost to cardiac events in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 60; the middle age was 51. James had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 10 years.
James was 40. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
James was 40. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
February holds 18.2% of these deaths in KY, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 11.4%.
February holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
February holds 8% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 13.9%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Stanton Police Department. The weapon recorded was person, in 100% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.5% of all 984 deaths in KY, the 3rd most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 15.9% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16.1% of these deaths.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.9% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 16% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 24-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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