Ky. Deputy Sheriff Dies Days after Suffering Heart Attack

A Kentucky deputy died last week days after suffering a heart attack outside the school where he worked as a resource officer.

Ohio County Deputy Sheriff Jerry Critchelow died April 19, the Messenger-Inquirer reports. He had been the school resource officer at Ohio County High School for 13 years.

Critchelow began suffering heart attack symptoms the morning of April 15 while he was directing traffic outside the high school, according to the website Supporting Our Heroes. He drove himself to the hospital, and he was flown to another facility when he suffered cardiac arrest. 

"Deputy Critchelow has been a role model and mentor for many people, including our law enforcement officers, and has dedicated his life to the safety and security of our citizens," the Ohio County Sheriff's Office stated in a social media post. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as we mourn the loss of a fellow officer."

Crtichelow retired from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) in 2008 after 27 years with the agency. During his time with the KSP, he earned the Governor’s Medal of Valor and two Trooper Medals.

After his death, Critchelow's squad car was put on display as a memorial in front of the Ohio County High School.