Forrester Messer.
Deputy Sheriff Forist Messer and Jailer Charles West were shot and killed as they and another deputy attempted to serve a warrant on a man who had escaped from jail the previous week.
As they approached the man's home, they were fired upon from ambush. Jailer West and Deputy Messer were both killed, and the second deputy was wounded.
Six men were apprehended and charged with murder. One was convicted of murdering Jailer West and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Another was killed in a gunfight with another man four months later near Pineville.
Deputy Messer was a United States Army WWI veteran.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Messer served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Barbourville community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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