Community saying farewell to law enforcement officers killed in Ky. ambush

People are saying farewell to the three law enforcement officers and a K-9 killed in an ambush in eastern Kentucky.
Published: Jul. 4, 2022 at 11:53 AM EDT

Floyd County, Ky. (WKYT) - People are saying farewell to the three law enforcement officers and a K-9 killed in an ambush in eastern Kentucky.

There are four memorials set up in Prestonsburg, one for Deputy William Petry and Drago, the K-9 who was killed, and two more for Captain Ralph Frasure and Officer Jacob Chaffins.

The second day of visitation was held Monday at a Floyd County funeral home for Deputy Petry. Monday night, the visitation will begin for Captain Frasure, which also resumes Tuesday. Officer Chaffins will also have two days of visitation.

All three funerals will be at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

We’re told there are also plans being made for a service for Drago on Friday.

Left to right: Captain Ralph Frasure, Deputy William Petry and Officer Jacob R. Chaffins.(WYMT)

Margaret Clausen was among the many visiting and leaving mementos at the memorials honoring those killed last Friday. She says Drago was very special to her.

“This community is so tight. We’re not just friends. We are family. When they take one, they take us all,” Clausen said.

Petry used to work with both Prestonsburg police and Kentucky State Police as a trooper, public affairs officer and detective.

We have been told that as a Floyd County deputy Petry was the first on the scene Thursday to serve an EPO on Lance Storz when he was shot and killed. Along with his many law enforcement duties, Petry was also the current Martin City fire chief.

Estalene Bartley was a dispatcher when Petry was with state police.

“He was just a good man. Was nice to everybody. Always in a good mood. Was a good man,” Bartley said.

People are leaving items at memorials located at the Floyd County Courthouse and Prestonsburg City Hall.

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