Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Tri-State area

CLARK CO., MO. -- February eighth 2010 started off as another snowy Monday in Clark County during an already long winter.

But it ended in tragedy.

After shoveling snow around the jail, 36 year old Clark County Sheriff's Department Deputy Don McCutcheon began feeling nauseous and dizzy.

He drove himself to the county ambulance shed where he collapsed inside.

He was then taken by ambulance to a hospital in Keokuk, where he later died from a clogged artery.

Tuesday, March 9th, family, friends and co-workers gathered to honor McCutcheon by retiring his badge, #510.

KHQA's Jarod Wells talked to loved ones about how he would be remembered.

McCutcheon's mother Tina Brookhart said, "I am so proud of my son."

Clark County Sheriff's Department Deputy Don McCutcheon had only been in law enforcement for a year and a half when he died last month. He had been with the sheriff's department for a year, but also worked a second job with the Memphis, Missouri police department.

Clark County Sheriff Paul Gaudette said, "I love Don and I'm going to miss Don."

But Don McCutcheon will always be remembered at the Clark County Sheriff's Department.  Not only by the plaques that will line the walls, but the memories his co-workers will hold on to.

Gaudette, "As a comical guy, that could lift your spirits in 5 minutes. He was very quick to learn, he was one of those guys who, if he didn't know he asked. Just a real benefit to the whole county. He was just a very smart man. It didn't take him long to get in the saddle and ride."

Missouri Representative Brian Munzlinger worked with the state to draft a proclamation remembering Don and retiring his badge.

Munzlinger said, "It's truly a sad day anytime we lose an officer that serves to protect our people and Don did a great job, not only here in Clark County, but also in surrounding areas where he worked as a law enforcement officer. This is a way to dedicate, we're retiring his badge, so it's a way to dedicate our respect to him and for his service."

Don McCutcheon loved being in law enforcement. But that did not come close to the love he had for his family, especially his kids who held back tears as their father was honored.  Tuesday's ceremony not only made it clear that Clark County Sheriff's Department Deputy Don McCutcheon would always be remembered, but it made certain how he would be remembered.

Brookhart said, "As a hero, as a hero, because he was."

A flag was flown in Washington D.C. the day Deputy McCutcheon died.

That flag was sent to the Clark County Sheriff's Department and will be on display.