Bruce Verhoeven Foundation

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Bruce Verhoeven Foundation

A non-profit organization created to assist law enforcement members and survivors of slain law enforcement members in times of need or hardship

The Bruce Verhoeven Foundation is a not-for profit organization. Federal Tax ID # 94-2310800

07/13/2026

IN MEMORIAM: DEPUTY KEVIN BLOUNT

Deputy Kevin Blount was killed on July 13, 2005, while serving as an 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. Deputy Kievernagel and Deputy Blount 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.

07/13/2026

IN MEMORIAM: DEPUTY JOSEPH KIEVERNAGEL

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 a 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.

06/15/2026

Deputy Stewart P. Baird
Date of Birth: January 9, 1931
Date Appointed: May 1, 1964
End of Watch: June 13, 1976

Deputy Baird was killed during a struggle with a suspect who was attempting to rob a business. Deputy Baird had just gotten off duty at the department's Medical Detention Facility and proceeded to his wife's business to help her close up. While inside a man entered and ordered everyone to the ground. As the suspect attempted to leave, Deputy Baird confronted him. During the ensuing struggle Deputy Baird was struck on the head causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground. During the struggle Deputy Baird was able to shoot the subject and fatally wound him.

Deputy Baird was posthumously awarded the department's Medal of Valor award for his bravery. The Stewart Baird Facility exists today at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center as a tribute to the memory of this fallen officer.

The Bruce Verhoeven Foundation has placed remembrance flowers at his graveside and published a memorial obituary in the Sacramento Bee.

Never forget! Stay safe out there!

06/07/2026

IN MEMORIAM: KENNETH B. ROYAL - 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.

The Bruce Verhoeven Foundation placed flowers on Deputy Royal’s gravesite.

Please be careful out there!

06/03/2026

June 3, 1955 - William L. Littlejohn was rushing a su***de victim to the hospital in his patrol car when it was struck by a car driven by a drunk driver. Two days later Deputy Littlejohn died from the injuries he received during the collision. Deputy Littlejohn is buried at the Sylvan Cemetery on Greenback Lane.

The Board of Directors of the Bruce Verhoeven Foundation will place a floral remembrance at Deputy Littlejohn's gravesite to honor our fallen officer. A remembrance notice will also be placed in the Sacramento Bee to remind all of our citizens of the sacrifice this brave men gave to his community.
Be careful out there.

The Bruce Verhoeven Foundation

04/25/2026

IN MEMORIAM:
Deputy Gene Luther died on April 25, 1980 at the hands of an armed robber.

Deputy Luther was leaving a north area restaurant at approximately 2200 hours and as he approached his vehicle he was confronted by an armed suspect. The man demanded money from Deputy Luther. Deputy Luther reached for a small handgun he was carrying, but before he could fire the suspect shot him. Deputy Luther was able to return fire and it is believed he may have struck the suspect. Within minutes Deputy Luther died at the scene.

Despite and intensive investigation no one was ever arrested for the murder of Deputy Luther. He is buried at the Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery located at 2720 Riverside Boulevard. Members of the Board of Directors of the Bruce Verhoeven Foundation will place flowers at his grave in remembrance of his service to his Department and this community.
Be careful out there.

03/29/2026

On January 27, 1986, Deputy Paul DeRouen was dispatched to a location on Waterman Road near Elk Grove Boulevard. It had been reported that a fight was in progress at that location. While Deputy DeRouen was trying to subdue one of the suspects, he and the man struggled and fell onto the roadway. A speeding car struck both men and Deputy DeRouen was thrown 38 feet and received life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery and had his left leg amputated, along with most of his left hip. He required over 50 pints of blood.
Paul was a fighter, and never gave up. He wanted to remain with his family and continue his law enforcement career. This attitude made it possible for him to leave the hospital after only three months and return home. He demonstrated tremendous strength as he fought to resume his life and career. He continued to fight the fight for over 22 years when his devastating injuries finally took his life on March 29, 2008.
It is a fitting tribute to Paul and his family that he is now recognized and forever remembered as paying the ultimate sacrifice in giving his life in the line of duty. His name was placed at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC as well as at the Sacramento Police Sheriff’s Memorial.
The Bruce Verhoeven Foundation will place flowers at his grave site to honor his life- long sacrifice for his family and this community.
Be safe out there.......

Address

P. O. Box 160923
Sacramento, CA
95816

Website

http://www.verhoevenfoundation.org/

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