Trooper James Willard McNeely, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky

Trooper James Willard McNeely

Kentucky State Police, Kentucky

End of Watch Saturday, April 8, 1972

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James Willard McNeely

Trooper James McNeely and Patrol Officer David Childs of the Kentucky Water Patrol drowned while participating in a flood rescue mission in Franklin County, Kentucky.

They were searching for two missing juveniles when their boat went over Dam 4.

Trooper McNeely had served with the Kentucky State Police for 16 years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 37
Tour 16 years
Badge 297

Incident Details

Cause Drowned

water rescue, weather

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Most Recent Reflection

View all 17 Reflections

Another year has passed, my word is good and I still haven’t given up hope and faith and continue to search for you.

It’s now been 53 years, (forgive me as my math was wrong in my reflection last year)

I will not abandon, forget or give up on you and I still sit with your missing persons poster everyday.

Tonight, I have lit prayer candles in your honor and memory.

Jaclyn Bedient

April 9, 2025