In the quiet setting of Christian County, Kentucky, a routine patrol on March 19, 1987, ended in a tragic and sudden act of violence that claimed the life of 33-year-old Conservation Officer Robert C. 'Bob' Banker. A White male, Officer Banker was a dedicated public servant and a U.S. Army veteran with two years of service with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
On that fateful day, Officer Banker was at Lacy Lake, carrying out his duties of checking for fishing
licenses. He encountered a man who did not have the required license and proceeded to issue a citation. After completing the citation and turning to leave, the man called out to him. As Officer Banker turned back, he was fatally shot in the chest with a. 22 caliber rifle. The assailant continued to fire at the fallen officer.
A citizen who was nearby witnessed the horrific event and attempted to intervene by distracting the gunman, who then also fired at the citizen. The shooter fled the scene immediately following the incident. However, law enforcement acted swiftly, and the suspect was apprehended a short time later. The individual was subsequently convicted for the murder of Officer Banker and received a sentence of 22 years in prison. Officer Banker was survived by his wife, son, and daughter, leaving behind a family and a community to mourn his untimely death.
