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Incident
Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Sheriff Arthur Briscoe were shot and killed while they were attempting to arrest a suspect with outstanding warrants at an area known as Little Hardwick Creek. In Toledo, Ohio, the suspect was wanted for assault on a police officer, jumping bail, receiving stolen property, and flagrant nonsupport. Deputy Briscoe had visited the cabin a couple of weeks earlier looking for the suspect, but he was in Ohio at the time. The suspect's wife called and told him the authorities were looking for him, and he proceeded to Michigan, where he purchased an SKS assault rifle and ammunition. On the day of the incident, Deputy Briscoe went to the cabin after learning the suspect was back in town and confronted him. The suspect met him at the front door with his assault rifle and informed Deputy Briscoe he would not be arrested. Deputy Briscoe and Sheriff Bennett returned, and as they faced the cabin with their guns drawn, the suspect ambushed them from behind, killing them both. The suspect was convicted of both murders and sentenced to death. Sheriff Bennett and Deputy Briscoe were brothers-in-law. Sheriff Bennett had served with the Powell County Sheriff's Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three 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.
Sheriff Bennett gave the Powell County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Stanton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Bennett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Powell County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Steve is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Steve is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Steve is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1992, 4 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1992, 93 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1992, 97 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Steve was 40. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Steve had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Steve was 40. 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. Steve had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Steve was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Steve had served 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%. Thursdays: 13%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Powell County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was rifle, 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 rifle, in 3.6% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Powell County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Steve among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Powell County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
