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Incident
Constable Cecil Ferrell was shot and killed as he, another constable, and a deputy attempted to arrest a subject who had escaped from them earlier in the evening.
Constable Ferrell and the deputy had arrested the man for public intoxication at a local restaurant. After placing him in a car, both officers walked around to the opposite side of the vehicle. The man took the opportunity to exit the car and flee on foot.
Both officers woke up the local justice of the peace, who issued a warrant for the man's arrest. When the officers, who were joined by another constable, arrived at the man's home they found him asleep in his bed and ordered him to get dressed. The man walked to the corner of bedroom to get his shoes but instead grabbed a shotgun and opened fire, fatally striking Constable Ferrell in the abdomen.
The other officers were able to disarm the 25-year-old man and arrest him. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Constable Ferrell was survived by his wife and three young children.
Survivors
Constable Ferrell was survived by his wife and three young children.
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.
Constable Ferrell served with the Boone County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Madison community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Ferrell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Cecil is the only officer of Boone County Constable's Office remembered here.
Cecil is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Cecil is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Cecil 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 1937, 2 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1937, 123 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1937, 123 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Cecil was 36. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39.
Cecil was 36. 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.
Cecil was 36. 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 7.1% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Sundays: 10.7%.
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 1 deaths at Boone County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.5% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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