Incident
Deputy Sheriff Richard Crawford was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man on a warrant for breaching the peace.
The suspect fled to his home on Second Creek, where he was located and arrested by a posse two weeks later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Deputy Crawford was a U. S. Army veteran.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-EB1FCB60- 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.
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Crawford served with the Perry County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hazard community. Thank you 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 J. Crawford served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Deputy Sheriff Richard J. Crawford is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Perry County Sheriff's Office, 19 of 19 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard J. Crawford's cause is highlighted.
How Richard J. Crawford Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 21 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard J. Crawford is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard J. Crawford was killed by handgun; .45 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
18 officers from Perry County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.







