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Incident
Sheriff Sam Green was shot and killed by a suspect while serving a warrant as a result of a domestic disturbance earlier in the day.
He was assisting the city police department and had gone to the home with a city police officer. The city officer went to the front door and Sheriff Green went to the back door. As the sheriff approached the back door, the suspect fired a 16 gauge shotgun through the door, striking him.
The suspect then stole Sheriff Green's gun and attempted to flee. He then shot and wounded the city police officer as the officer came around the house after hearing the gunfire. The suspect was arrested approximately 45 minutes later. The man was sentenced to life in prison but released after serving only 12 years. He later died of tuberculosis.
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 Green gave the Rowan County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Morehead community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Green.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rowan County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Sam is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Sam is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Sam 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 1961, 4 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1961, 69 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 104th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1961, 73 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Sam was 59. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Sam had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Sam was 59. 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. Sam had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Sam was 59. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Sam had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 11.5% of these deaths in KY, more than any other month. Sundays: 18.7%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Rowan County Sheriff's Office.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Rowan County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Sam among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 54-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rowan County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
