"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Investigator Brandon H. Thacker
When her husband's killer was released from prison, Jennifer Thacker spoke for other survivors, saying, "We're in this prison of grief for our whole life, and the man that caused it is free."
Inspector Brandon H. Thacker
McLean, VA (April 21, 2026) - On April 16, 1998, Brandon H. Thacker of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control was shot and killed. While traveling along the Western Kentucky Parkway, heading to an undercover assignment, Brandon encountered a driver whose erratic and hazardous behavior demanded intervention. When Brandon attempted to pull him over, the man opened fire before Brandon ever had a chance to defend himself. It turned out that the man was having a delusional mental episode and believed that Brandon was part of a group of “evil doers” pursuing him. The killer was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years in prison. When the man was released early from prison, having served fewer than 13 years, Brandon’s wife, Jennifer, was outraged, saying, “We’re in this prison of grief for our whole life, and the man that caused it is free.” Brandon’s daughter, Katherine—only 18 months old when her father was killed—explained years later what it was like for a little girl to grow up without a father. “I remember how not having him around when I was young caused some confusion. I would ask myself, ‘Do I even have a dad?’” Through photographs, stories and the many tributes others have written about her father, Katherine would learn that her father was a man of humor, warmth and unwavering service. And Jennifer would overcome her grief and become the national president of C.O.P.S.—the Concerns of Police Survivors. She’s traveled the country providing much needed support to survivors and has taught countless law enforcement agencies how to do the same.
Listen to the podcast to learn the rest of the story: https://behindbadge.substack.com/p/heroes-live-forever-the-story-of-5da
