Rowan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky
End of Watch: Sunday, December 31, 1961
Age: 59
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 31, 1961
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 16 gauge
Suspect Info: Life sentence: paroled after 12 years
Sheriff Sam Green was shot and killed by a suspect while serving a warrant as a result of a domestic disturbance earlier in the day.
He was assisting the city police department and had gone to the home with a city police officer. The city officer went to the front door and Sheriff Green went to the back door. As the sheriff approached the back door, the suspect fired a 16 gauge shotgun through the door, striking him.
The suspect then stole Sheriff Green's gun and attempted to flee. He then shot and wounded the city police officer as the officer came around the house after hearing the gunfire. The suspect was arrested approximately 45 minutes later. The man was sentenced to life in prison but released after serving only 12 years. He later died of tuberculosis.
Sheriff Green had served with the Rowan County Sheriff's Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife.