Survivors of 2022 Allen Ambush Share Emotional Testimony Before Kentucky Lawmakers

Remembering One of Kentucky’s Darkest Days

Members of the Kentucky General Assembly’s Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (VMAPP) heard emotional testimony Tuesday from two Floyd County first responders who survived the 2022 ambush in Allen. The deadly attack, which claimed the lives of three officers and a K9, remains one of the most tragic events in Kentucky law enforcement history.

Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Lawson and Floyd County Emergency Management Director Joe Reynolds shared their deeply personal accounts of survival and recovery following the incident. Both men sustained life-altering injuries—Lawson losing a leg and Reynolds losing vision in one eye. Their testimony shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by first responders who, despite their sacrifices, have been denied hazardous duty or retirement benefits due to employment classification and tenure.

Killed in the line of duty that day were Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputy William Petry, Prestonsburg Police Captain Ralph Fasure, Prestonsburg Police Officer Jacob Chaffins, and K9 Drago.

Stories of Survival and Strength

Deputy Lawson recounted his long road to recovery, describing how multiple surgeries eventually led to amputation.

“After the accident, they got me to UK where I spent about 35 days,” Lawson said. “A few months later, we were having bad updates with the leg, so we made the mutual decision to go ahead and have it amputated. I’ve now been an amputee for going on three years and have gone through eight to 10 prosthetics just trying to get a comfortable fit. It’s been a long road.”

Reynolds, who was shot in the head during the same ambush, spoke of the physical and emotional toll of recovery.

“They got me to the University of Kentucky Hospital and had me there for about three days,” Reynolds said. “They worked on my eye. It was gone. They rebuilt the socket and fitted me for a prosthetic. I’m an old-time firefighter, and we were always taught to tough it out and not ask for help. But this time, we have to ask for help. I still need it. This financial benefit you’re considering may not even help me, but it’s going to help future people.”

Their emotional testimony brought lawmakers and attendees to tears as both men expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from their community while emphasizing the need for legislative action to help others in similar situations.

Lawmakers Express Gratitude and Resolve

Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, who represents Floyd County, acknowledged the lasting impact the tragedy had on the region.

“I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Mr. Lawson and Mr. Reynolds,” Madon said. “It’s unimaginable what they and their community have been through. As someone who worked with local police every day as mayor and still does as a senator, I’m deeply grateful to them for their sacrifices and courage; and to all the men and women who put on the uniform to keep our loved ones safe, even when it means putting themselves in danger.”

Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, also praised the survivors’ courage and highlighted the broader need for support for first responders.

“I want to thank you both for being here today and for the courage you’ve shown,” Smith said. “You put your lives on the line to carry out the laws we pass, and hearing what you went through reminds us of the real danger that comes with that duty. It’s a blessing you both survived and are rebuilding your lives, because too many families didn’t get that chance. We owe it to you, and to every first responder, to do the best job we can to support you.”

Honoring the Fallen and the Living

Smith reflected on the tragic parallels between the Allen ambush and the 1992 deaths of Powell County Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Arthur Briscoe, both killed in the line of duty.

“Listening to this tragic story reminded me of our Powell County fallen officers, who, like Deputy Petry, Capt. Frasure and Officer Chaffins in 2022, didn’t make it home,” Smith said. “Whether it’s securing justice or fighting to protect those who survive and ensure they have the support, we have a duty to stand with the men and women who wear the badge.”

As lawmakers consider updates to hazardous duty benefits, Tuesday’s testimony served as a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice behind every badge—and the lasting cost of service.