Deputy Sheriff Jack B. Mills

Deputy Sheriff Jack B. Mills

Knox County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

End of Watch Sunday, May 18, 1958

Add to My Heroes

Jack B. Mills

Deputy Sheriff Jack Mills was shot and killed while checking a wrecked pickup truck on Highway 23.

Deputy Mills, along with the sheriff and two other deputies, had responded to the scene after receiving reports of a crash at about 2:00 am. They arrested one man at the scene for public drunkenness and were told by the man that a gun was in the cab of the truck. When Deputy Mills approached the truck to retrieve the gun he was ambushed by the arrested man's brother, who was hiding in the cab. The man shot Deputy Mills three times in the chest with a 9 mm handgun. He then fired on the other deputies before fleeing across a field. He was arrested later that morning and charged with murder. His brother was charged as an accessory to murder.

Deputy Mills' killer was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life on October 11, 1958.

Deputy Mills had served with the Knox County Sheriff's Office for five months. He was survived by his wife and five children. On December 9, 1959, his wife and two of his children were killed in a fire at their home. On October 27, 1963, his son was killed in a head-on collision near the place where his father was killed.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 5 months
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; 9 mm
  • Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Deputy Sheriff Mills,
On today, the 59th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Knox County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 18, 2017

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.