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Incident
Special Patrolman Sylvester Turpin was shot and killed attempting to arrest a man who was intoxicated and creating a disturbance in his neighborhood.
The Paris police chief and another officer were preparing to leave for Lexington when they were notified of the problem. They picked up Patrolman Turpin and drove to the suspect's home to arrest him.
The police chief remained in the car as Patrolman Turpin went to the back door and the other officer went to the front door. As Patrolman Turpin attempted to open the door the man inside fired a shotgun through a window, striking him in the abdomen and killing him instantly.
Upon hearing the shot, the police chief ran to the back of the house and returned fire, striking the suspect in the head. The suspect died in a hospital later that night.
Patrolman Turpin had been sworn in only two days earlier to fill in for an officer who was sick.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
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.
Special Patrolman Turpin served with the Paris Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Paris community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Patrolman Turpin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Paris Police Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Sylvester is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Sylvester is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Sylvester 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 1914, 8 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1914, 127 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1914, 127 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Sylvester was 48. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Sylvester had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Sylvester was 48. 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. Sylvester had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Sylvester was 48. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Sylvester had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Mondays: 13.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Paris Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.2% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Paris Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Sylvester among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Paris Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
