Prev
Incident
Police Officer Charles Howley died one day after being exposed to refrigerant while searching a daycare center following reports of smoke in the building.
He had responded to the daycare center and began to search it to ensure all of the children and employees had exited the building. During the search, he was exposed to a refrigerant that was being released into the air. He sought medical treatment after beginning to feel ill. He suffered a fatal heart attack the following day.
Officer Howley had served with the Oldham County Police Department for 20 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq5gw6kgq3a3ax24xc88- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Charles. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
20 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Howley gave the Oldham County Police Department 20 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the La Grange community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Howley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Charles is the only officer of Oldham County Police Department remembered here.
Charles is one of 161 officers lost to accidents in KY, 16.4% of the 984 remembered there.
Charles is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2014, 2 officers in KY were lost to accidents, the 12th heaviest of 95 years on record. The heaviest was 1937, with 7.
In 2014, 48 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 99th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2014, 51 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 103rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Charles was 51. Of the 150 lost to accidents in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 49.8; the middle age was 39. Charles had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 51. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 51. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Charles had served 20 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 11.8% of these deaths in KY; April holds the most, 13.7%. Wednesdays: 12.4%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Oldham County Police Department.
Accident deaths account for 16.4% of all 984 deaths in KY, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Oldham County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.