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Incident
Town Marshal Robert Thompson was stabbed to death after arresting a man for being drunk in public.
As he walked the man to the jail the subject suddenly refused to go any further and pulled out a knife. Marshal Thompson summoned the help of a citizen and the two attempted to talk the man into putting the knife down. When he refused, Marshal Thompson hit him with his cane.
The man then struck Marshal Thompson in the chest and arm with the knife. The wound to the arm severed an artery. Marshal Thompson ran to a nearby drug store where he collapsed and died.
The suspect fled the scene but was arrested a short time later.
Marshal Thompson had served with the Hardinsburg Police Department for two years.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
136 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Town Marshal Thompson gave the Hardinsburg Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hardinsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robert is the only officer of Hardinsburg 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 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1890, 5 officers in KY were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1926, with 22.
In 1890, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1890, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 11.5% of these deaths in KY, more than any other month. Thursdays: 13%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hardinsburg Police Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.9% 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-W
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