Kentucky State Police and other police agencies in Ohio County conducted its annual “Shop with a Trooper” on Saturday in memory of late trooper and Ohio County deputy Jerry Critchelow, who passed away in April 2022 after a 43-year law enforcement career.
“The program is designed to assist children in need during the Christmas season and Critchelow was instrumental in its success for decades,” Kentucky State Police said.
Officials said troopers and their families, local telecommunicators, the Beaver Dam and Hartford Police Departments, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio County constables, and Kentucky Probation & Parole personnel met at the Beaver Dam Walmart and were paired with approximately 138 local families.
“Each child was allocated roughly $140 due to generous donations. The shopping lists consisted of several items including coats, pants, shirts, shoes, hats, gloves, and of course … toys,” according to state police.
“A special thanks to Critchelow’s daughter Amanda Fitzgerald for her integral role in the fund raising efforts and its success,” KSP said.
Critchelow died five days after suffering a heart attack while directing traffic on Hwy 231 in front of Ohio County High School.
He drove himself to a local medical facility before being airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington.
His condition continued to worsen, and he passed away on April 20, 2022, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page
Critchelow served with the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years and was assigned as a school resource officer. He previously served with Kentucky State Police for 30 years.
(Photo l-r: Ohio Co. Sheriff Adam Wright with a family at “Shop with a Trooper,” former trooper and deputy sheriff Jerry Critchelow, courtesy of the Officer Down Memorial Page)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
