Deputy Sheriff James Robert Abel

James Robert Abel

Deputy Sheriff James Abel was killed in an automobile crash while responding to an officer needs assistance call.

His vehicle struck a patch of ice on Chain of Rocks Road, near Maryville Road, and struck a utility pole. His patrol car caught fire as a result of the impact and Deputy Abel was killed.

Deputy Abel had served with the Madison County Sheriff's Office for only three months and was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife, daughter, two grandchildren, and parents.