TOMPKINSVILLE, KY (WSMV) -
A man who dedicated his life to the law has been killed, and the prime suspect is a person he had helped to convict.
Herbert Proffitt, 82, a former police chief and Monroe County deputy sheriff, devoted his life to taking bad guys off the streets, and up until this week he had been enjoying his retirement.
Flags were flying at half staff and black ribbons adorned doors Wednesday in Tompkinsville in memory of the longtime police chief and deputy sheriff.
"About one of the nicest people you'll meet," said resident Bill Cross.
According to local authorities and Kentucky State Police, Proffitt was getting his mail when he was shot and killed Tuesday by 82-year-old Charles Hammer. The men were not strangers to each other, as Hammer's arrest record dates back to at least 1980.
Recent arrest reports paint what many are calling a disturbing pattern with Hammer. He served time on charges of public intoxication, gun possession and disorderly conduct.
Tompkinsville police Chief Dale Ford said he knew as young child he wanted to follow in Proffitt's footsteps.
"When he was directing traffic, I guess, that was when I wanted to be a police officer," Ford said.
Sheriff Roger Barlow stood near a memorial brick outside the Monroe County Courthouse that honors Proffitt's 47-year career in law enforcement. Barlow said the tiny community is in mourning and reeling from what many feel is a big-city problem.
Proffitt worked up until two years ago when he retired.
His viewing is set for Thursday at Strode Funeral Home in Tompkinsville, and his funeral is Friday at Tompkinsville Baptist Church.
Copyright WSMV 2012 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
