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Incident
Police Officer Phillip Meacham was shot and killed while assisting another officer investigate a police impersonator on Paulette Court at approximately 5:10 pm.
Officer Meacham, who was off-duty, observed the vehicle behind him operating with blue lights. The vehicle passed Officer Meacham and turned onto another street. Officer Meacham began to follow the vehicle and requested a uniformed officer respond to the area. The man turned onto Paulette Court, a dead-end street, as Officer Meacham remained nearby until the uniformed officer arrived at the scene.
The officers approached the man who was now working on a truck in his driveway. When they approached him the man drew a firearm and shot Officer Meacham, killing him. The man fled on foot, stole a truck, and fled to Clarksville, Tennessee. He was located in Clarksville by local officers and United States Marshals. He was shot and killed as the officers attempted to take him into custody.
Officer Meacham had served with the Hopkinsville Police Department for one year and had previously served with the Christian County Sheriff's Office for 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents.
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.
Police Officer Meacham gave the Hopkinsville Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hopkinsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Meacham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hopkinsville Police Department has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Phillip is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Phillip is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Phillip is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2018, 1 officer at Hopkinsville Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2018, 3 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 77th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 2018, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2018, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Phillip was 38. Of the 3 killed feloniously at Hopkinsville Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 39.5 and 43.5; the middle age was 41. Phillip had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6.8 years.
Phillip was 38. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Phillip had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Phillip was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Phillip had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Phillip was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Phillip had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 33.3% of these deaths at Hopkinsville Police Department, more than any other month. Thursdays: 33.3%.
March holds 7.1% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Thursdays: 13%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Hopkinsville Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 16.7% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Hopkinsville Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Phillip among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Hopkinsville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.