05/19/2023
As part of National Police Week, leaders of the Ky. Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control honored the lives of ABC Investigators Brandon Heath Thacker and William Lee Jones, who both lost their lives in the line of duty. ABC Commissioner Allyson Taylor, Enforcement Director David Wilkerson, ABC Administrator Maggie Woods and Licensing Director Kellie Lovan placed roses at the headstones of Thacker, in Richmond, and Jones, in Bardstown. Investigator Jones was born March 8, 1926, entered on duty with ABC in April 1965. His end of watch was May 13, 1969, at the age of 43. Investigator Jones was killed while investigating stolen cases of whiskey in Nelson County, Kentucky. Investigator Thacker was born October 13, 1970, entered on duty with ABC in 1994 and made the ultimate sacrifice on April 16, 1998, at the young age of 27. Both Investigators were veterans of our Armed Forces. While we mourn their deaths, we also celebrate their lives and their dedication to service. Never forget.
Photos by Danny Page and Ricky Eastham.