Holly MatkinArapahoe County, CO – Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Deputy Kraig Conger died in the line of duty on Dec. 28, 2022, after suffering a heart attack at work.
ACSO confirmed the 51-year-old deputy’s death in a press release the following day.
“It is with great sadness the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of Deputy Kraig Conger,” the sheriff’s department said. “Deputy Conger suffered a major heart attack while on duty.”
No other details regarding the veteran deputy’s tragic death were immediately released.
Deputy Conger earned a degree in criminal justice from Colorado State University, where he also played basketball under scholarship, the ACSO said.
He joined the ACSO in 2000 and worked in the Arapahoe County Detention Facility until 2013, when he was assigned to the Detention Services Bureau’s newly-formed Arapahoe Diverts Mentally Ill to Treatment (ADMIT) program, The Denver Gazette reported.
Deputy Conger continued serving in that position until his death.
“While Conger worked in a variety of positions, the one he truly made a difference in is the Arapahoe Diverts Mentally Ill to Treatment (ADMIT) program,” the ACSO said. “He helped make the program a success for those who were part of it.”
Deputy Conger was also devoted to mentoring local youth and coached them in baseball, basketball, and football.
“Kraig was passionate about his job. His continued service, both as a professional law enforcement officer and as a community volunteer, highlights the value he brought to our area,” the ACSO said. “There is no doubt he had a significant impact in this community and in his profession. We are proud to have been his colleague and friend.”
Deputy Conger leaves behind his wife, Leslie, and his children, Kaleb and Hannah.
A fundraising campaign established to help his family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $13,700 so far.
“Kraig, you will be missed but never forgotten,” the ACSO said. “Rest easy friend, we have the watch from here.”
Deputy Conger will be laid to rest on Jan. 12, the department said in a Facebook post.
It's with great sadness we announce the passing of Deputy Kraig Conger. Conger suffered a major heart attack while on duty. He passed away Dec 28. He was 51. He worked for us for 22 yrs. Kraig, you will be missed but never forgotten. Rest easy friend, we have the watch from here. pic.twitter.com/yyQ2ZoXKjz
— Arapahoe Sheriff (@ArapahoeSO) December 29, 2022
Deputy Kraig Conger will be laid to rest on Thursday, January 12. The funeral services will be private (for family, friends and members of the Law Enforcement community that he worked with throughout his career). We want to thank everyone for your kindness, love and support. pic.twitter.com/N3v6j7xAto
— Arapahoe Sheriff (@ArapahoeSO) January 7, 2023
AG's Excellence in Law Enforcement Award is presented to a peace officer who has exhibited extraordinary efforts of valor, crime prevention, investigative work, community outreach, & other functions. This year’s honoree is Arapahoe County Deputy Sheriff Kraig Conger @ArapahoeSO pic.twitter.com/jQWiaj5hkS
— Colorado Attorney General (@COAttnyGeneral) December 7, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Kraig Conger, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
