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Incident
Sergeant Robert Palmer was shot and killed during an unprovoked attack. He was shot September 3, 1990 by his wife's ex-husband who had already gunned down the officers two and three year old children. He returned fire, killing the assailant Sergeant Palmer died of his wounds September 25, 1990. Sergeant Palmer had served with the agency for 11 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his son.
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.
Sergeant Palmer gave the Elsmere Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Elsmere community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Palmer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Elsmere Police Department remembered here.
Robert is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1990, 3 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 77th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1990, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1990, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 38. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. Robert had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Robert was 38. 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. Robert had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 38. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Tuesdays: 12.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Elsmere Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 14.4% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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