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Incident
Deputy Sheriff David Branham and Chief Silas Wilder, of the Corbin Police Department, were shot and killed when they attempted to arrest a man who was terrorizing local citizens.
When the deputy ordered the man to surrender, the man fired a shot that instantly killed Deputy Branha. The subject then shot and mortally wounded Chief Wilder. Despite his wounds, Chief Wilder was able to return fire and kill the suspect.
Chief Wilder succumbed to his wounds the following day.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Branham served with the Whitley County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Williamsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Branham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Whitley County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1901, 1 officer at Whitley County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1901, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1901, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1901, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
June holds 14.3% of these deaths at Whitley County Sheriff's Office; December holds the most, 28.6%. Saturdays: 42.9%.
June holds 8.6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at Whitley County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 28.6% 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
Whitley County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Whitley County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
