TYLER, Texas — A longtime Smith County Sheriff's Office deputy died Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency while on duty at the sheriff's office.
According to the Smith County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Gerald Rhey Atchison Jr., 53, collapsed at approximately 2 p.m. on July 7 while performing his duties as a Property and Evidence Technician at the Sheriff's Office, located at 227 N. Spring Avenue in Tyler.
Fellow law enforcement personnel immediately rushed to his aid and began lifesaving measures, including CPR.
Paramedics with UT Health EMS continued advanced lifesaving efforts before transporting Atchison to Christus Mother Frances Hospital, where medical personnel continued treatment. He was later pronounced dead.
Smith County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Curtis Wulf responded to the hospital to conduct the inquest.
Officials said it is believed Atchison suffered a massive coronary event.
Atchison began his career with the Smith County Sheriff's Office in September 2003 as a detention officer at the county jail. After graduating from the Tyler Junior College Police Academy in 2005 and earning his Texas Peace Officer License, he was promoted to the Patrol Division.
During his more than two decades of service, Atchison served in numerous assignments, including detention officer, patrol deputy, criminal investigator, telecommunications operator, and, most recently, property and evidence technician.
He is survived by his wife and son.
The Smith County Sheriff's Office asked the community to keep the Atchison family and the members of the sheriff's office in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
