Danville Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch Monday, November 4, 1968
Add to My HeroesJames Ryan, Sr.
Sergeant Ryan succumbed to gunshot wounds received the previous night while responding to a burglary call with another officer on South Fourth Street. The officers encountered a man with an automatic rifle. The suspect opened fire, striking Sergeant Ryan six times. He was transported to Ephraim McDowell Memorial Hospital where he died the following day.
A 36-year-old suspect was later arrested, tried, and acquitted.
Sergeant Ryan, who was scheduled to retire two months later, was survived by his son, who was also a member of the agency at the time of the shooting.
Sergeant Ryan had served with the Danville Police Department for 26 years. He was survived by his son, two sisters, and five grandchildren. He was buried in Bellevue Cemetery.
Bio
- Age 64
- Tour 26 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, November 3, 1968
- Weapon Rifle; Automatic
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsThank you to every man and woman actively serving, retired and watching over us from heaven. I never got the pleasure of meeting my great papa but I know he’d be proud of his son and the legacy he left behind.
Becca Blackford
Great Granddaughter
January 22, 2025
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