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Incident
Policeman William Barkley was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a burglary suspect.
Policeman Barkley and a security guard had positioned themselves in a local drugstore that had been burglarized several times. At approximately 2:30 am, they observed a suspect enter the store.
As they moved into position to surprise the suspect, the man saw them and immediately opened fire, striking Policeman Barkley in the stomach. In the ensuing shootout, the suspect and the guard were also wounded.
Policeman Barkley succumbed to his wounds that evening. The suspect was sentenced to death and was executed in May of 1923.
Policeman Barkley had served as the night policeman for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his daughter, two sisters, and two brothers.
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.
Night Policeman Barkley gave the Georgetown Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Georgetown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Barkley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Georgetown Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1922, 15 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 44. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 44. 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. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Tuesdays: 12.4%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Georgetown Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Georgetown Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Georgetown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
