In Memorium

Employees from our agencies who have made the ultimate sacrifice 

Joseph McKinney

Date of Birth: Unknown
Date Appointed: April 1, 1850
End of Watch: August 15, 1850

Joseph McKinney, the first elected Sheriff in Sacramento County government, was the first peace officer slain in the line of duty in Sacramento County.

Sheriff McKinney, a young man in his early 20's, lived in the gold rush fever days of the early west -- an era burdened with a myriad of law and order problems. An epidemic known as "squatters riots" developed throughout the west and Sacramento was no exception. It was during a confrontation to oust land illegally seized by squatters that McKinney became Sacramento County's first law enforcement member to be slain in the line of duty.

Several confrontations took place between Sacramento government officials and squatters with heavy casualties on both sides during the summer of 1850. Following the funeral of the City Assessor who was slain during a battle in a house on Second Street on August 14, 1850, Sheriff McKinney, who narrowly escaped the barrage of bullets the day before, rounded up twenty deputies and rode to Brighton, a settlement several miles outside of Sacramento, where squatters had barricaded themselves in a house. As the Sheriff and his deputies entered the house, the Sheriff ordered the armed squatters to lay down their weapons. A volley of gunfire erupted, killing the young sheriff who stood in the foreground of the confrontation.

Sheriff McKinney was buried in the Sacramento City Cemetery following services with full honors at Sutter's Fort. 

Charles Ogle

Date of Birth: September 3, 1900
Date Appointed: April 30, 1923
End of Watch: March 12, 1951

Sheriff's Captain Charles Joseph Ogle, a 28-year veteran of the Sheriff's Department, died in Sutter Hospital several hours after his squad car was struck by a taxicab. The accident occurred at the intersection of Airport Road and Grand Avenue at 2:15 a.m. The Highway Patrol reported Captain Ogle and Deputy Gene Roark were parked in the car off the pavement when the taxi struck the unit broadside. Roark was thrown from the car and sustained only cuts and bruises. The driver of the cab suffered only minor injuries.

The driver of the cab said he thought the squad car was going to pull across Airport Road, upon which he was traveling, so he pulled to the right in an effort to go behind it. The taxi showed 65 feet of skid marks. Ogle joined the department under Sheriff Ellis Jones and during the prohibition era he worked under then undersheriff and later Sheriff Don Cox in stamping out liquor operations.

Law enforcement was Captain Ogle's main interest and he was reportedly an excellent detective. At the time he died, he had been serving in the department's "advisement branch" to younger deputies. His main occupation was the inside night captain's desk, but on the midnight shift he often took over squad car duties.

Upon learning of Captain Ogle's death, Judge Coughlin of the Sacramento Superior Court interrupted the scheduled calendar to express his personal sorrow, calling Ogle an "outstanding public servant." Two attorneys in the courtroom, standing before the bench, were called upon to say a few words about the 50-year old veteran and each praised him highly.

William L. Littlejohn

Date of Birth: August 30, 1911
Date Appointed: November 1, 1952
End of Watch: June 3, 1955

Sheriff's Deputy William Littlejohn and Deputy Stanley Kirkman were en route to an emergency hospital downtown with a man who had slashed his wrists in a suicide attempt when their squad car was struck by a drunk driver. The unit's red lights and siren were engaged when the drunk driver pulled into the path of the emergency vehicle.

Deputy Littlejohn died in the hospital two days later from his injuries. Also injured in the crash were Deputy Kirkman, and the suspect driver, his wife, and their two passengers. All were treated for minor injuries and released. The attempt suicide victim was treated for minor cuts and sent home.

Deputy Littlejohn had joined the Sheriff's Department in November, 1952 as a resident deputy in Citrus Heights. 

Roger L. Bauman

Date of Birth: October 7, 1936
Date Appointed: August 22, 1960
End of Watch: December 12, 1961

On December 12, 1961, Sheriff's deputies Roger Bauman and Warren Lee responded to a bar on Auburn Boulevard at the closing hour where the proprietress reported a robbery attempt by an intoxicated subject armed with a gun. The officers observed the suspect vehicle a short time later and a pursuit ensued covering several blocks. Twice the suspect attempted to sideswipe the marked unit until the officers were finally able to force the suspect to stop to avoid driving into an open ditch.

Officer Bauman, who was still inside the vehicle, had his service revolver pointed at the suspect while Officer Lee ran to the rear of the squad car and around to the suspect's vehicle. Officer Lee then heard two shots. An exchange of gunfire between the suspect and Officer Bauman left the suspect dead at the scene. Officer Bauman died a short time later in the hospital following surgery.

The Roger Bauman Facility exists today at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center as a tribute to the memory of this fallen officer. 

Kenneth B. Royal

Date of Birth: October 9, 1932
Date Appointed: April 1, 1965
End of Watch: June 7, 1968

Kenneth Royal responded to back up a fellow officer who had initiated a felony vehicle stop on two subjects believed to be responsible for the armed robbery of a south area tavern that had been broadcast minutes earlier.

After repeated demands by the officer who had made the stop for the suspects to exit the vehicle, the driver suddenly jumped from the car and fled on foot across a nearby field. Officer Royal arrived at the scene and while his fellow officer covered him, he approached the suspect still inside the car. The man opened the car door and began to exit. Suddenly, he drew a gun from his waistband and fired, striking Officer Royal. Both officers returned fire as the suspect attempted to flee. He collapsed in the field from his injuries.

Officer Royal died at the scene. The suspect who fled earlier was captured by officers a short time later. Officer Royal's assailant recovered from his gunshot wounds and was sentenced to state prison for armed robbery and murder.

The Kenneth B. Royal Firing Range located at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center is named in memory of Officer Royal. 

Bruce R. Verhoeven

Bruce had wanted to be in law enforcement since childhood. He worked for an ambulance company, and the Arcade Fire Department, but he wanted to be a Deputy with Sacramento County

When 21 year old Bruce took the Deputy Sheriff test the first time, he passed all the examinations except one. He was turned down because he was too thin! In those days, there was a minimum weight requirement. While he worked on gaining weight, the Sheriff's Department changed the minimum age requirement to 23 years. Bruce was disappointed, but determined. By the time he turned 23, his weight was up, and he was ready!

Bruce loved being a deputy, and loved his law enforcement family. According to his wife, Betty, "Bruce would do anything, anytime, for his friends and co-workers. He lived by the motto 'my home is open twenty four hours to any of my friends and colleagues', and he meant it! He felt a very strong bond with his co-workers and truly felt they were his 'family'."

He also had a great sense of humor and was a fun loving young man. He was well liked by his co-workers, and was a dedicated employee of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. When he was a detective and had a take-home car, Bruce and his wife would sit outside at night and listen to calls on the Sheriff's radio! For entertainment! Betty now wonders what the neighbors thought!

During the Christmas holiday season of 1973, Bruce was assigned to a special crime suppression detail. He responded to an armed robbery in progress at a department store in the north area. Upon arriving at the scene, Corporal Verhoeven assumed a position of cover near an apartment complex where the suspect was hiding. He located the suspect, and ordered him to throw down his weapon and surrender. The suspect suddenly opened fire, killing Corporal Verhoeven. Another officer at the scene returned fire, killing the assailant.

The fire and ambulance crews dispatched to Bruce's shooting were from the Arcade Fire district, and had known Bruce personally.

Stuart C. Baird

Date of Birth: January 9, 1931
Date Appointed: May 1, 1964
End of Watch: June 13, 1976

Sheriff's Deputy Stewart Baird, having completed an evening tour of duty at the Medical Detention Facility, proceeded to the place of business where his wife worked to assist her in closing the business and driving her home. As he waited, a man entered the business armed with a sawed off rifle. The subject announced his intent to rob the establishment, ordered the cash register emptied at gunpoint, and demanded that Officer Baird and the other remaining patrons stay seated with their heads down.

Officer Baird confronted the suspect as he attempted to leave the business. During the physical altercation that ensued, Officer Baird drew his revolver and fired two shots as the robber accosted him. Although one of the bullets rendered a subsequent mortal wound to the suspect, it failed to immediately incapacitate him. The suspect attacked Officer Baird viciously, hitting him several times in the head and causing him to fall and strike his head. Officer Baird died within minutes of receiving his injuries.

The robber then fled, collapsed on the sidewalk outside, and subsequently died of his wounds. The suspect was identified as a parolee with a long and violent criminal history including a previous arrest for murder.

The Stewart Baird Facility exists today at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center as a tribute to the memory of this fallen officer.

Christopher W. Boone

Date of Birth: October 31, 1947
Date Appointed: September 14, 1970
End of Watch: October 25, 1979

Christopher Boone was shot and killed while on a surveillance assignment at the residence of a female who had become the victim of a series of obscene and threatening telephone calls.

On the morning of October 25, 1979, the suspect called the woman while Detective Boone was present in the home. In addition to his threats, he made known his intent to confront her in the home that day. A short time later the suspect arrived at the residence to carry out his threats.

When the suspect entered the home, Detective Boone identified himself and verbally placed the subject under arrest. The man attempted to run from the house, but was caught by Boone at the front door. A violent struggle ensued and Detective Boone was shot and mortally wounded.

Subsequent investigation concluded the suspect had entered the home with the intent to commit sexual assault and, as revealed by his prior threats, the woman's life was also in mortal danger.

Detective Boone was awarded the Sheriff's Department Medal of Valor, posthumously, for conspicuous bravery in the line of duty.

The Sheriff's Department North Patrol Station was dedicated to his memory. Detective Chris Boone is buried at South East Lawn Memorial Park.

Eugene N. Luther

Date of Birth: June 23, 1929
Date Appointed: December 22, 1958
End of Watch: April 25, 1980

Officer Eugene Luther was killed in an abortive robbery attempt while off duty on April 25, 1980.

Officer Luther was leaving a north area restaurant at about 10 p.m. When he reached his car in the parking lot and opened the car door, he was confronted by an armed subject who demanded all of his money. In an effort to protect himself, Officer Luther drew a small caliber handgun; however, the suspect fired first. Officer Luther was able to return fire and it is believed he may have struck the suspect. Officer Luther died at the scene.

Despite an exhaustive investigation, no one has ever been prosecuted for Officer Luther's murder.

Grant L. Wilson 
Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office

Date of Birth:
Date Appointed:
End of Watch: August 1, 1981 

Investigator Wilson was shot and killed while serving a misdemeanor warrant on a man for failing to pay child support.

David E. Miller

Date of Birth: March 8, 1952
Date Appointed: February 15, 1975
End of Watch: January 2, 1983

Sheriff's Detective David E. Miller was killed in a vehicle accident while off duty on January 2, 1983.

Detective Miller was leaving a north area establishment when his brother-in-law, who had accompanied him, became involved in an altercation with two men in the parking lot. The two subjects got into their car and while leaving the parking lot, the vehicle swerved and struck Miller's brother-in-law. Detective Miller, witnessing the incident, jumped into his pick up truck and chased the two men. He had witnessed the altercation and when the vehicle struck his brother-in-law, perhaps causing serious injury or death, he believed he had been deliberately run over and pursued the potentially fleeing felons.

Detective Miller drove at high rate of speed following the two subjects. As he gained on the vehicle, he attempted to slowly force it over to the side of the road; however, Detective Miller's pick up hit the rear of the other car and the pick up left the road, hitting a power pole. Detective Miller was killed instantly in the crash.

Subsequent investigation determined that Miller's brother-in-law was struck accidentally causing minor injuries.

Richard Deffner

Date of Birth: June 2, 1951
Date Appointed: October 2, 1977
End of Watch: January 21, 1988

The community of Rancho Cordova had experienced several armed robberies in early January. On January 20th, a fast food restaurant on Folsom Boulevard had been robbed by a gun toting suspect. On January 21st. Sergeant Rick Deffner was commanding the elite Special Enforcement Detail's Gold Team in an all day search in an attempt to locate the violent robbery suspect.

At approximately 2:15 p.m., officers spotted the suspects car and gave chase. The suspect crushed his car into a fence, ran from the vehicle while firing shots at the pursuing officers. He disappeared into the neighborhood. An intensive search began by officers, K-9, and helicopter. An eight-block perimeter was established and a house by house search continued until it was terminated because of darkness. Several hours later a direct confrontation again occurred between the suspect and officers when he was seen hiding in a garage. He again fired at officers and fled to a public storage area near a large apartment complex.

A perimeter was quickly established and the Gold Team was again called and assigned the responsibility to search within the controlled area. Sergeant Deffner realized that if the suspect was on the roof of the apartment complex, he would have a definite advantage over the officers below who where attempting to arrest him. Sergeant Deffner made the decision to search the roof with two of his team members. While on the roof the officers heard noises in a yard below. As Sergeant Deffner peered over the edge of the roof he was shot in the face by the suspect.

Sergeant Deffner died that night making the ultimate and final sacrifice for his community and fellow officers.

As the suspect was again trying to escape he was shot and killed by officers.

Sergeant Rick Deffner was awarded the Medal of Valor. posthumously. for conspicuous bravery above and beyond the call of duty. The gymnasium at the Sheriff's Training Academy is dedicated and named for Sergeant Richard E. Deffner. Sergeant Richard Deffner is buried at Mount Vernon Memorial Park on Greenback Lane. 

Sandra L. Larson

Date of Birth: April 12, 1950
Date Appointed: September 30, 1974
End of Watch: December 8, 1998

Sandy Larson, 48, was a passenger in a sheriff's transportation van that was bringing two inmates from Soledad Prison for court dates in Sacramento. Less than a mile from its destination, the van crashed into the rear of a big rig broken down in a divider between the merging lanes of northbound Interstate 5. Deputy Larson died at the scene.

Larson joined the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department in 1974. She was on the Board of Directors of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff's Association for over 18 years.

Larson was the first female Sacramento County deputy killed in the line of duty. Sandy is buried at South East Lawn Memorial Park in Elk Grove, California.

Kevin Blount

Date of Birth: December 7, 1975
Date Appointed: September 29, 1996
End of Watch: July 13, 2005

Deputy Kevin Blount was killed on July 13, 2005, while serving as observer on the Sheriff’s Department’s Helicopter, Star 6.

Deputy Joe Kievernagel was piloting the craft and Deputy Eric Henrikson was in the aircraft, training to be an observer. The helicopter soon responded to assist with a burglary call at a Folsom business. After clearing the call they flew over the Lake Natoma area to check on the welfare of the hundreds of people who had gathered at the lake to get relief from the intense heat being experienced in the Sacramento area.

What happened next will remain in the hearts and minds of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department’s personnel forever. Star 6 developed catastrophic engine trouble. Witnesses reported that the pilot seemed to be trying in vain to control the craft. The helicopter continued out of control and crashed into the side of a hill. Deputies Joe Kievernagel and Kevin Blount were killed. Deputy Eric Henrikson was critically injured.

Both officers were highly regarded professionals and truly dedicated to their assignments in Air Operations. They cannot be replaced. They can only be remembered and remember we will. 

Joseph M. Kievernagel 

Date of Birth: April 23, 1969
Date Appointed: June 10, 1988
End of Watch: July 13, 2005

Deputy Joseph M. Kievernagel was killed on July 13, 2005, while piloting the Sheriff’s Department’s Helicopter, Star 6.

Deputy Joe Kievernagel, Deputy Kevin Blount and Deputy Eric Henrikson took off from Mather Air Field for routine patrol of Sacramento County. They soon responded to a burglary call at a Folsom business. After they cleared the call they flew over the Lake Natoma area where hundreds of people had gathered to get relief from the intense heat being experienced in the Sacramento area. What happened next will remain in the hearts and minds of the Sheriff’s Department personnel forever.

Star 6 developed catastrophic engine trouble. Witnesses reported that it seemed that Deputy Kievernagel tried in vain to control the craft, Deputy Kievernagel desperately tried to land the ship somewhere away from the crowded lake area. Star 6 crashed into a nearby hillside and rolled. Deputies Kievernagel and Blount were killed. Deputy Eric Henrikson was critically injured.

Both officers were highly regarded professionals and truly dedicated to their assignments in Air Operations. They cannot be replaced. They can only be remembered and remember we will.

Jeffrey V. Mitchell

Date of Birth: 1968
Date Appointed: 2000
End of Watch: October 27, 2006

At 3:27 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2006, Deputy Jeffrey V. Mitchell, a nine year employee of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, assigned to the South Bureau, conducted a vehicle stop at Meiss and Dillard Roads on a white Chevrolet van with one occupant.

Approximately seven minutes later, the Sheriff’s Communications Center conducted a welfare check on the officer, without a response units responded to his location.

The initial responding unit arrived at the location approximately 20 minutes later and found the Deputy with a gunshot wound to his head. At that point, officers requested emergency medical aid for the Deputy and initiated a large perimeter to begin conducting a search of the area. The Deputy was transported to the UC Davis Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 4:45 a.m. as a result of his injuries.

Mitchell began his career with the Sheriff's Department in 1997 at Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center in Elk Grove, where he was a recreation technician who helped lead the jail's physical education program. He became a deputy three years later -- the same year his son, Jake, was born -- and went on patrol in 2002.

Deputy Mitchell is remembered fondly by everyone who knew him, from his co-workers and friends to citizens on his beat. He leaves behind a wife and six year old son.

Vu Nguyen

Date of Birth: December 9, 1970
Date Appointed: December 31, 2000
End of Watch: December 19, 2007

Detective Vu Nguyen was shot while chasing a suspect.

Nguyen was performing a routine gang patrol when someone bolted from a house in south Sacramento. He started chasing the suspect through backyards when he was shot in the neck. When his partner found him, though he had been wounded, he had drawn his gun. He was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center where he underwent surgery before succumbing to the gunshot wound.

Detective Nguyen served as a Sacramento County Sheriff's deputy for ten years. He was a gang detective for three years. He is survived by his wife.

Larry Canfield

Date of Birth: October 12, 1965
Date Appointed: August 3, 1997 
End of Watch: November 12, 2008

Deputy Larry Canfield, 43, was fatally injured in a vehicle collision while working on a speed-enforcement assignment along a busy stretch of Coloma Road, as part of the Rancho Cordova Police Department's motorcycle unit. Canfield was attempting to pull over a speeding motorist when the second-generation sheriff's Deputy collided with another motorist, who was turning left in front of him into a church parking lot, shortly before 2 p.m.

His death, pronounced shortly thereafter at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, is the fifth line-of-duty loss suffered in the Sheriff's Department's ranks since 2005.

Canfield was known for his great sense of humor, for his professionalism and commitment to his colleagues.

Deputy Canfield joined the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department in 1996 after leaving the United States Army. He was assigned to the Rancho Cordova Police Department's motor unit in 2004. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement services for Rancho Cordova under contract.

Canfield is survived by his wife, Michelle, and two sons, Tyler and Bryce.