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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Jerry Critchelow died five days after suffering a heart attack while directing traffic on Route 231 in front of Ohio County High School.
He drove himself to a local medical facility after experiencing symptoms before being flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington. His condition continued to worsen and he passed away on April 20th, 2022.
Deputy Critchelow had served with the Ohio County Sheriff's Office for 13 years and was assigned as the school resource officer. He previously served with the Kentucky State Police for 30 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughters, granddaughters, mother, and siblings.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
43 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Critchelow gave the Ohio County Sheriff's Office 43 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Hartford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Critchelow.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Cardiac
James is the only officer of Ohio County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
James is one of 44 officers lost to cardiac events in KY, 4.5% of the 984 remembered there.
James is one of 1,307 officers lost to cardiac events in the United States, 4.7% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 1,309 officers lost to cardiac events worldwide, 3.8% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2022, 2 officers in KY were lost to cardiac events, the 2nd heaviest of 36 years on record. The heaviest was 2024, with 4.
In 2022, 14 officers in the United States were lost to cardiac events, the 40th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
In 2022, 14 officers worldwide were lost to cardiac events, the 40th heaviest of 139 years on record. The heaviest was 2014, with 24.
Who
James was 65. Of the 41 lost to cardiac events in KY whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 60; the middle age was 51. James had served 43 years; the middle length of service was 10 years.
James was 65. Of the 1,249 lost to cardiac events in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 43 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 43 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
James was 65. Of the 1,251 lost to cardiac events worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 42.5 and 55; the middle age was 48. James had served 43 years; the middle length of service was 15 years.
When
April holds 15.9% of these deaths in KY; February holds the most, 18.2%. Wednesdays: 18.2%.
April holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; January holds the most, 9.6%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
April holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; January holds the most, 9.5%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
How
Cardiac deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Ohio County Sheriff's Office.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.5% of all 984 deaths in KY, the 3rd most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 4.7% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 4th most common cause.
Cardiac deaths account for 3.8% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 4th most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Ohio County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.