Battle Ground, WA – Battle Ground Police Department (BGPD) Sergeant Richard “Rick” Kelly died in the line of duty on Aug. 10 after suffering a medical emergency.

The 54-year-old sergeant was on duty when the medical issue struck, the City of Battle Ground said in a press release the following day.

His exact cause of death was not immediately released.

The Vancouver Police Department is handling the ongoing death investigation, as per standard protocol.

“The City recognizes that this is a profoundly personal matter and is respectful of his family and their privacy,” Battle Ground city officials said. “The City and Police Department are offering their assistance to the family in their time of need.”

Sgt. Kelly joined the BGPD in 2005 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2019, The Columbian reported.

“Sgt. Kelly was an incredibly valued member of our community,” the city said. “A husband, father, brother, friend, neighbor, protector; Sgt. Kelly was many things to so many people. He will be deeply missed.”

Dozens of people offered their condolences to Sgt. Kelly’s family and coworkers in response to the city’s announcement of his passing.

“Words don’t come easy. Rick was such a good man,” one message read. “My heart goes out to his family, BGPD, to staff at the City of BG, and to the community. One cannot remember Rick without smiling, even through the grief. What a beautiful gift he left.”

“Sergeant Rick Kelly stopped me in Battle Ground in Feb 2022,” another person wrote. “He was most kindhearted and amiable LEO I’ve even encountered. I could tell he was an amazing person. I’m shaken to see this.”

Many thanked him for his years of service.

“This is so sad. He was such a kind human and definitely made the world a better place,” another citizen said.

His name was Richard Kelly,
a Battle Ground Police Sergeant. He died after a medical
emergency while on duty.
Rest Easy… pic.twitter.com/mjBSpxzSSz

— LEON *** (@jose22780) August 13, 2023

His name was Richard Kelly, a Battle Ground Police Sergeant.
He died after a medical emergency while on duty. A husband, father, brother, friend, neighbor, protector. Rest Easy Brother. Prayers for his family of blue and blood.#podcast #radio #talkradio #talkshow #truecrime… pic.twitter.com/Y0dx7WY8PH

— L.E.T. Radio Show Podcast (@LETRadioShowPo1) August 13, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Battle Ground Police Department Sergeant Richard “Rick” Kelly, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.