Deputy Sheriff Richard Amacker Kent, III

Richard Amacker Kent, III

Deputy Kent was shot and killed after arresting a man who was attempting to break into a drink machine at a grocery store in Kentwood. Deputy Kent and Kentwood officers arrived at the scene and arrested the man. Deputy Kent knew the suspect and placed him in his patrol car. Deputy Kent then went inside to take a report from a store employee. While Deputy Kent was inside the suspect was able to get Deputy Kent's shotgun from its mount on the patrol car's cage.

When Deputy Kent walked out of the store he saw the suspect pointing the shotgun at him and drew his service weapon. The suspect and Deputy Kent exchanged shots and Deputy Kent was struck in the chest. The suspect, who was wounded in the arm, walked up to Deputy Kent and shot him a second time as he lay on the ground. The man then fled but was arrested a short time later after crashing his car. He was convicted of manslaughter in connection with Deputy Kent's murder.

Deputy Kent had served with the agency for 18 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.