This year's ceremony honored:
Russell County Sheriff's Office Deputy Joshua Phipps, end of watch Sept. 16, 2024. Deputy Phipps was shot and killed while pursuing a fleeing suspect in Russell Springs.
Winchester Police Department Sergeant William "Marty" Jackson, end of watch April 14, 2024. Sgt. Jackson suffered a fatal heart attack after arresting a subject for disorderly conduct, public intoxication and resisting arrest.
"When we add a name to the law enforcement memorial, it's more than an act of duty; it's a promise from a grateful commonwealth that these officers who died protecting our safety will never to be forgotten," Gov. Beshear said. "The memory of those we honor today, as well as the additional 589 officers listed on the monument, inspires us to be better, to do more and to strive to live up to the incredibly high standards of service and sacrifice they set."Additionally, eight historical honorees will be added to the monument this year. With the addition of today's 10 officers, Kentucky's Law Enforcement Memorial Monument holds the names of 599 men and women heroes who have died in the line of duty since 1845.
The eight historical honorees are:
James Bowlin, Whitley County Sheriff's Office, end of watch Dec. 4, 1932
David Branham, Whitley County Sheriff's Office, end of watch June 8, 1901
William Byrd, U.S. Marshal, end of watch Jan. 16, 1897
Carlo Jones, Whitley County Sheriff's Office, end of watch Sept. 24, 1909
William Sadler, Whitley County Sheriff's Office, end of watch Feb. 29, 1892
James Short, U.S. Marshal, end of watch May 26, 1923
George Smiddy, Whitley County Sheriff's Office, end of watch May 13, 1926
James Smith, Barbourville Police Department, end of watch Oct. 25, 1967
During today's ceremony, Chelsi Hamilton spoke about her late husband, Pikeville Police Officer Scotty Hamilton, who was killed in the line of duty in March 2018.
"My husband loved his job, he loved his badge, but more than that, he loved the people he served," Hamilton said. "I remember all the late-night calls, the questions and the requests for help. No matter how tired he was, he showed up. That was just him; always showing up, always putting others before him."
The following individuals and groups participated in today's ceremony: Lexington Police Department Honor Guard, Department of Criminal Justice Training Instructor Josh McFarland; Midway Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jerry Huffman; Pikeville Police Department Honor Guard; Maysville Police Department Major Chris Conley; Kentucky Law Enforcement Council Supervisor Eric Garner; Fayette County Sheriff's Office Deputy Will Young; Louisville Police Pipes and Drums.
