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Incident
Chief Lace Vinson was killed when he was pushed from the running board of a truck while attempting to arrest the driver. Chief Vinson and another officer had been informed that the three occupants of the truck were intoxicated and driving around town creating a disturbance.
After removing two of the occupants the driver started to drive away, so Chief Vinson jumped onto the running board and ordered him to stop. The driver ignored Chief Vinson's command and drove a short distance, where it is believed he struck the chief with a hammer, knocking him off of the vehicle.
Chief Vinson fell to the ground and was then run over by the vehicle, suffering fatal injuries. The suspect was arrested minutes later after wrecking his truck while attempting to flee. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 7 years in prison, but was pardoned after serving only a few months.
Chief Vinson was survived by his wife and seven children.
Survivors
Chief Vinson was survived by his wife and seven 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.
Chief of Police Vinson served with the Louisa Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Louisa community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Vinson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Louisa Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Lazarus is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Lazarus is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lazarus 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 1930, 16 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Lazarus was 54. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Lazarus was 54. 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.
Lazarus was 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 8.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Louisa Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, 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 automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.3% 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 automobile; alcohol involved, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.9% of these deaths.
His people
Louisa Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Lazarus among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Louisa Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
