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Incident
Patrolman Dixon Sasser was shot and killed by a man who had just been released on bond for bootlegging.
The man opened fire on Patrolman Sasser and the Harlan police chief, who was wounded in the shooting. The suspect was also wounded in the shootout before being arrested. The man was tried twice but acquitted both times.
Patrolman Sasser was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, father, and three siblings. He was predeceased by a son. He is buried in Robinson Creek Cemetery, London, Laurel County, Kentucky.
Survivors
Patrolman Sasser was survived by his wife, daughter, two sons, father, and three siblings.
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.
Patrolman Sasser served with the Harlan Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Harlan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Sasser.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Harlan Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Dixon is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Dixon is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Dixon is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1918, 7 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Dixon was 31. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Dixon was 31. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Dixon was 31. Of the 15,853 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%. Sundays: 18.7%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Harlan Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Harlan Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Dixon among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Harlan Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
