Officer Franklin W. Pysher, Jr.

Officer Franklin W. Pysher, Jr.

Jefferson County Police Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Tuesday, January 10, 1989

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Franklin W. Pysher, Jr.

Officer Frank Pysher was shot and killed at the interchange of I-265 and Smyrna Road after responding to a call of a man walking on the highway with a gun.

Officer Pysher located the man and rolled down his window to speak with him around 12:30 p.m. The man was known to Officer Pysher, who had dealt with him on several occasions. The suspect fired his rifle twice, hitting Officer Pysher in the head. Officer Pysher's patrol vehicle continued driving, crossing into oncoming traffic and hitting a guardrail. He was transported to Humana Hospital- University of Louisville, where he succumbed to his wounds.

The suspect was arrested but was found incompetent to stand trial and sent to a state mental institution.

Officer Pysher was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Jefferson County Police Department for over 17 years. His father and three brothers all served in law enforcement. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, stepdaughter, and grandchild.

Bio

  • Age 43
  • Tour 17 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; .22 caliber
  • Offender Found incompetent to stand trial

EDP, weapons violation

Most Recent Reflection

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O God of Peace, so many of America’s Peace Officers who are on the front lines to protect us never make it back home to their families. We pray for these fallen law enforcement officers, Lord God, who gave their lives for us. We pray for the families of these heroes, who have to now endure life without their loved one. Lord God, society tries to move forward, but there is always bloodshed occurring. We approach Your throne of glory and grace to beg of You for peace. Lord God, bring peace to this land – the United States of America. We plead for Your divine intervention to quiet our hearts and unify our communities. Stop the violence that occurs amid our cities. We thank You for all America’s Peace Officers who have died protecting us, and ask that You send an everlasting peace so that America’s Peace Officers on the streets may be safe and return home to their loved ones at the end of their assigned shifts. In Christ Jesus, Your blessed Son, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department

July 21, 2023

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