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Incident
Town Sergeant John Yost succumbed to head injuries sustained several months earlier when he was assaulted by two brothers whom he was taking to the town jail. As they neared the jail the brothers broke several pickets off of a fence and beat him over the head.
The two brothers were convicted of charges related to his death and sentenced to serve 1 year on the county road force and fined $500 each.
The exact date in April on which Town Sergeant Yost was attacked is not known.
Town Sergeant Yost had served with the agency for 7 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, six daughters, and two sons.
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.
Town Sergeant Yost gave the Richlands Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Richlands community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Sergeant Yost.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Richlands Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 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 1921, 10 officers in VA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
John was 65. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. John had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 65. 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 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 65. 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 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Richlands Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 2% 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 person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
His people
Richlands Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Richlands Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
