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Incident
Constable Russell Ward was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men for drunk and disorderly conduct.
The subject who murdered him was sentenced to six years in prison.
Constable Ward has served as constable for only two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two 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 Ward served with the Johnson County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Paintsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Ward.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Russell is the only officer of Johnson County Constable's Office remembered here.
Russell is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Russell is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Russell 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 1942, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1942, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1942, 120 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Russell was 29. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Russell had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Russell was 29. 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. Russell had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Russell was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Russell had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 6.2% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Sundays: 18.7%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Johnson County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
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