Deputy Richard Coyle - Crittenden County Sheriff's Office - Kentucky

On April 2, 2026, Deputy Coyle from the Crittenden County Sheriff's Office (Kentucky), and other officers were serving emergency guardianship paperwork at a home in the 2800 block of KY 365 in Sturgis, Kentucky.

While doing this task, officers were met with gunfire.  Officers returned fire and killed the suspect.  Deputy Rick Coyle was struck and transported to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville.  Four weeks later on April 30, 2026, Deputy Coyle succumbed to his gunshot injuries.  

Deputy Richard Coyle had served with the Crittenden County Sheriff's Office for two years as a School Resource Officer and previously served with the Chicago Police Department for 28 years. Survivors include his wife, sister, and three nieces.

As part of our "Plaques for Heroes" mission, engraved slate memorial plaques were sent to the Crittenden County Sheriff's Office and to Deputy Richard Coyle's family at no cost to honor his service and his sacrifice to the community of Crittenden County, Kentucky. Our condolences to his family, his department and the community he served.