Crittenden County community rallies for injured deputy

Residents gather in prayer for Deputy Rick Coyle, seriously wounded in a shooting

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:55am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuff, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of the incident involving the injured deputy.The Crittenden County community rallies around a deputy injured in the line of duty, underscoring the risks and sacrifices law enforcement face in small towns.Evansville Today

The Crittenden County community in Kentucky came together in a prayer vigil at the local high school football field to support Deputy Rick Coyle, who was seriously injured in a shooting incident. Coyle, a school resource officer, was flown to a hospital in Evansville, Indiana, where his family and work partner are with him. The Union County Sheriff's Office is responding to emergency calls in Crittenden County until further notice.

Why it matters

The shooting of a well-liked local law enforcement officer has shaken the tight-knit Crittenden County community, highlighting the risks deputies face and the importance of community support during difficult times.

The details

Deputy Rick Coyle, a school resource officer in Crittenden County, was seriously injured in a shooting incident about 10 minutes from the county seat of Marion. Community members quickly organized a prayer vigil at the Crittenden County High School football field, where bleachers were packed and law enforcement vehicles from across the region lined the track with their blue lights flashing.

  • The shooting incident occurred on Thursday night.
  • The prayer vigil was held on Friday night.

The players

Deputy Rick Coyle

A Crittenden County Sheriff's deputy who was seriously injured in a shooting incident. Coyle previously worked with a SWAT team in Chicago before retiring to Crittenden County, where he serves as a school resource officer.

Brylee Conyer

A community member whose father works with Deputy Coyle at Crittenden County High School.

Mayor D'Anna Browning

The mayor of the City of Marion, the county seat of Crittenden County.

Vonda Todd

A community member who spoke at the prayer vigil.

Union County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that is responding to emergency calls in Crittenden County while Deputy Coyle is hospitalized.

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What they’re saying

“We learned the news and we were shocked by it. And so, we immediately started praying for him. Rick is a pivotal part to our community. He's such a nice man. You know, he'd be the first person to give you the shirt off his back.”

— Brylee Conyer, Community member

“We're all coming together as a community to pray. He's a very important part of this community not only as an SRO but also as a deputy.”

— Mayor D'Anna Browning, Mayor of the City of Marion

“We should always be in prayer, not just at this time, but especially at this time, our faith is everything. We just need to be together.”

— Vonda Todd, Community member

What’s next

The Union County Sheriff's Office will continue responding to emergency calls in Crittenden County until Deputy Coyle is able to return to duty.

The takeaway

This incident has brought the Crittenden County community together in a show of support for one of their own, highlighting the important role law enforcement officers play in small towns and the value of community solidarity during difficult times.