Roll of Honor
Richard Scott Crittenden Sr.
Incident
Officer Richard Crittenden was shot and killed after he and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance call at approximately 8:30 am.
A male subject had gone to the female subject's apartment in violation of a protection order. Officer Crittenden and an officer from the Maplewood Police Department arrived, and as they were conducting an investigation, the suspect attempted to attack the female. Officer Crittenden attempted to protect the woman and during a struggle the suspect was able to gain control of Officer Crittenden's service weapon. He then opened fire, striking Officer Crittenden, who was fatally wounded. The Maplewood officer suffered a gunshot wound to her wrist, but was able to return fire and kill the suspect.
Officer Crittenden had served with the North St. Paul Police Department for nine years, had previously served with the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office for four years, and had served in Vietnam with the United States Army. He was the first North St. Paul Police Officer killed in the line of duty.
A male subject had gone to the female subject's apartment in violation of a protection order. Officer Crittenden and an officer from the Maplewood Police Department arrived, and as they were conducting an investigation, the suspect attempted to attack the female. Officer Crittenden attempted to protect the woman and during a struggle the suspect was able to gain control of Officer Crittenden's service weapon. He then opened fire, striking Officer Crittenden, who was fatally wounded. The Maplewood officer suffered a gunshot wound to her wrist, but was able to return fire and kill the suspect.
Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:
“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]
[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]
And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526 The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry January 8th, 2024
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Crittenden gave the North St. Paul Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the North St. Paul community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Richard Scott Crittenden Sr. served in the U.S. Army (1969â1971) before joining law enforcement.
Police Officer Richard Scott Crittenden Sr. is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,759 officers honored here.
In MN, 173 of 293 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59% of this state's fallen. That is 59 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard Scott Crittenden Sr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Richard Scott Crittenden Sr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard Scott Crittenden Sr. is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard Scott Crittenden Sr. was killed by officer's handgun.
Military Service
Richard Scott Crittenden Sr. served in the U.S. Army (1969–1971) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Richard Scott Crittenden Sr.’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from North St. Paul Police Department are honored on badge.nw.