Cumberland Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch: Friday, January 13, 1939
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 13, 1939
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Chief of Police John Gilliam was shot and killed while checking on a restaurant while making his rounds.
When he entered the restaurant a drunk man inside suddenly jumped up and opened fire on the chief, shooting him three times. Despite being mortally wounded, Chief Gilliam was able to return fire and killed the subject.
Chief Gilliam had served with the Cumberland Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife.