(The following was reprinted from the August 30 Tompkinsville News.)

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Herbert “Sprocket” Proffitt, 82, of Tompkinsville, was pronounced dead at Monroe County Medical Center at 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, August 28. Proffitt was shot at his own home, at approximately 3:15 p.m., on Rush Lane, just off Celina Road near Tompkinsville. Proffitt, who had been in law enforcement for over 50 years, had previously served as Monroe County Sheriff and Chief of Police for the City of Tompkinsville, and then later as a deputy sheriff for many years.

Charles Hammer, 81, Hestand-Chestnut Grove Rd., Tompkinsville, was arrested just after 11 p.m. on Tuesday night and charged with Proffitt’s murder. He was lodged in the Monroe County Jail.

According to Sheriff Roger Barlow, a 9-1-1 call was received just after 3 p.m. reporting the shooting and local law enforcement officers responded to the scene issuing a BOLO (be on the lookout) for a white SUV driven by an older white male thought to be Hammer.

Several Kentucky State Police Troopers and Detectives responded to the scene while sheriff’s deputies traveled to Hammer’s house where they took him into custody without incident after locating him standing in his front yard.

County Attorney Wes Stephens noted that search warrants were issued for Hammer’s home and vehicle and after those were executed, Hammer (who had remained in custody all afternoon) was interviewed by KSP detectives at the Tompkinsville Police Department.

KSP Detective Ricky Brooks is continuing the investigation.