Chief of Police Rufus Barrow

Chief of Police Rufus Barrow

Adairville Police Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Thursday, April 29, 1948

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Rufus Barrow

Chief of Police Rufus Barrow was shot and killed with his own service weapon when he responded to a disturbance call involving a mentally ill man refusing to be taken back to a mental hospital.

The 24-year-old subject was able to gain control of Chief Barrows' revolver and fatally shot him.

The suspect was charged with murder, adjudged insane, and returned to the mental hospital. In 1964 he had a sanity hearing and was still adjudged to be insane. He died in Glasgow State Mental Hospital on February 8, 1986.

Chief Barrow had served with the Adairville Police Department for eight years and previously served with the Franklin Police Department and Simpson County Sheriff's Office. He was survived by his wife and child.

He is buried at Greenlawn and Shady Rest Cemetery in Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky.

Bio

  • Age 65
  • Tour 14 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Committed to mental hopital

disturbance, EDP

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Chief Barrow,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Adairville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 29, 2023

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