Chief of Police Orville Gross, Wallins Creek Police Department, Kentucky

Chief of Police Orville Gross

Wallins Creek Police Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Friday, March 3, 1933

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Orville Gross

Chief of Police Orville Gross succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous day while investigating a domestic disturbance.

A man had gone to the home of his estranged wife and attempted to force entry into it. Chief Gross located the subject in front of a nearby store and attempted to stop him. The man immediately turned and shot Chief Gross in the abdomen. Despite his wounds, Chief Gross returned fire and killed the subject.

Chief Gross was taken to a hospital in Harlan where he died the following day.

Chief Gross was U.S. Army veteran. He had been appointed as police chief only seven months earlier after the murder of the previous police chief. He had previously served with the Harlan County Sheriff's Office and as a Prohibition agent. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 7 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Thursday, March 2, 1933
Weapon Handgun
Offender Shot and killed

domestic

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Most Recent Reflection

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Chief Gross,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as a member of the 3rd “Marne” Division in Europe fighting the Germans during World War I.

Rock of the Marne!

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

March 3, 2023