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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Richard Read was shot and killed by a man disturbing the peace at a public picnic. When ordered to be quiet, the suspect drew a revolver and shot him twice. A citizen, who witnessed the shooting, returned fire, seriously wounding the suspect.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life November 16, 1902. Later that same day an angry mob seized the suspect from the Hardin County Jail and hanged him from the nearest tree.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Read served with the Hardin County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Elizabethtown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Read.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hardin County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Richard is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Richard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Richard 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 1901, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1901, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1901, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Hardin County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, 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 handgun; revolver, in 0.9% 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; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Hardin County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, Richard among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Hardin County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
