Incident
Officer Banahan was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while directing traffic on the Jefferson Street Viaduct. The driver of the car was arrested a short time later. Officer Banahan had served with the agency for 17 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Officer Banahan gave the Lexington Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lexington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Banahan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lexington Police Department has lost 12 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 756 officers killed feloniously in KY, 76.8% of the 984 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1935, 1 officer at Lexington Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1935, 9 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1935, 154 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1935, 156 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 63. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Lexington Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 44 and 60; the middle age was 45. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 17 years.
James was 63. Of the 669 killed feloniously in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 41. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
James was 63. 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. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 63. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 12.5% of these deaths at Lexington Police Department; July holds the most, 25%. Saturdays: 37.5%.
February holds 6% of these deaths in KY; December holds the most, 11.5%. Saturdays: 19%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 12 deaths at Lexington Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 12.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 76.8% of all 984 deaths in KY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 1.2% 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 automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Lexington Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, James among them.
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Joseph Beard Jul 10, 1858
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Cornelius N. Hendricks Aug 1, 1881
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Thomas Donlon May 12, 1888
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William W. Weathered Jul 29, 1894
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John J. Sullivan May 22, 1897
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Michael Murphy
Nov 5, 1907
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Preston Pullen
Oct 30, 1918
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Reese Bowen Nov 29, 1918
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John T. Collopy May 14, 1919
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J. J. Estes
Jan 19, 1927
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James Banahan Feb 23, 1935
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Danny L. Redmon
Jan 3, 1967
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Lexington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.



