Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Kartchner was killed in an automobile crash while in a high-speed pursuit on Vallecito Lake Road in Vallecito Lake. Deputy Kartchner was driving southbound, pursuing a speeding vehicle, when his patrol car skidded on a tight turn. A vehicle traveling north struck the side of his patrol car, killing him instantly. Deputy Kartchner had served with the La Plata County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, two stepsons, his father, two brothers, and six sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-AB531DE3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Donald. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Kartchner gave the La Plata County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Durango community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Kartchner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Donald R. Kartchner is one of 10,088 officers lost to accidents in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 31% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In CO, 101 of 360 officers were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 28.1% of this state's fallen. That is 2.9 percentage points below the national rate of 31%.
At La Plata County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 3 officers on record were lost to accidents in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Accident compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Donald R. Kartchner's cause is highlighted.
How Donald R. Kartchner Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Accident Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Accident deaths across the full memorial record. Donald R. Kartchner is highlighted in Oct.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from La Plata County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
