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Incident
Deputy Walter Deal was shot and killed after arresting a man for disorderly conduct.
After taking the man's revolver, Deputy Deal told the man to go home. The man took a few steps, then turned and opened fire with another pistol he had concealed. Deputy Deal was fatally wounded by the shots.
The suspect was arrested and charged with his murder.
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Deal served with the Pike County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Pikeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Deal.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pike County Sheriff's Office has lost 16 officers; 13 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter 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 1921, 1 officer at Pike County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 12 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 2.
In 1921, 16 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
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
Walter was 43. Of the 13 killed feloniously at Pike County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 45; the middle age was 43.
Walter was 43. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41.
Walter was 43. 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.
Walter was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 7.7% of these deaths at Pike County Sheriff's Office; May holds the most, 23.1%. Mondays: 30.8%.
January holds 6.2% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 81.3% of all 16 deaths at Pike County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 38.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.8% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Pike County Sheriff's Office has 16 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
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Charles Smith Mar 19, 1911
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Patton Bartley
Feb 19, 1917
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Walter Deal Jan 10, 1921
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Jesse Ferrell May 30, 1925
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Louis Casebolt
May 25, 1926
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Frank Phillips Dec 13, 1926
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Thomas C. Tackett
Dec 16, 1929
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John Allen
Jul 20, 1930
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Boyd Westin Hatfield Nov 11, 1931
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Earl Scott
Jan 7, 1939
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John F. Cable Oct 2, 1940
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Roy Conway
Jul 28, 1950
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Dave Coleman, Jr.
Aug 3, 1951
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Earl Smith May 15, 1979
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Poyster Keene
May 8, 1993
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James Ireland Thacker
Jan 23, 2012
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
15 officers from Pike County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
