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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Chad Key was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic at the intersection of U.S. Highway 82 and Bethany Road shortly before 10:30 pm.
The driver who struck him failed to stop but was arrested a short distance away. The subject was a habitual drunk driver who was out on a bond on a previous drunk driving arrest.
The subject was convicted of felony murder and aggravated assault. He was subsequently sentenced to 99 years in prison with both charges running concurrently; he is eligible for parole in 2044.
Deputy Key had served as a patrol deputy for only two months and as a Corrections Officer with the Grayson County Sheriff's Office for 3-1/2 years. Survivors include his wife and three sons. A portion of U.S. Highway 82 was renamed the "Chad Key Highway" in 2015.
Survivors
Survivors include his wife and three sons.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Key gave the Grayson County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sherman community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Key.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Grayson County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Chad is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Chad is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Chad is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2013, 9 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 2013, 43 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 144th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2013, 49 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 143rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Chad was 42. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Chad had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Chad was 42. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Chad had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Chad was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Chad had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 7.3% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 6 deaths at Grayson County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile; alcohol involved, in 0.9% of these deaths.
His people
Grayson County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Chad among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Grayson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
