Following a brief illness, Crowley County Sheriff John “Smokey” Kurtz died Wednesday at Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo surrounded by family members.
Outside the Crowley County Courthouse in Ordway, a parked CCSO pickup displayed a portrait of Kurtz, while his desk held additional memorials.
A brief note, posted on Facebook by Undersheriff Terry Reeves, stated, “It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Sheriff John “Smokey” Kurtz. Sheriff Kurtz passed away this morning in the presence of family at Parkview Medical Center”