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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
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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
The Sacrifice · Accident
La Plata County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Donald is one of 101 officers lost to accidents in CO, 28% of the 361 remembered there.
Donald is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1972, 1 officer in CO was lost to accidents, the 24th heaviest of 66 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 4.
In 1972, 85 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 19th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1972, 98 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 23rd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Donald was 40. Of the 79 lost to accidents in CO whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 37. Donald had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Donald was 40. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 40. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in CO; July holds the most, 11.9%. Fridays: 16.8%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at La Plata County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 28% of all 361 deaths in CO, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 2% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.3% of these deaths.
His people
La Plata County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from La Plata County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
