http://www.verhoevenfoundation.org/

Bruce Verhoeven Foundation, P. O. Box 160923, Sacramento, CA (2026)

09/17/2026

On Monday, September 17, 2018, Deputy Mark Stasyuk was killed in the line of duty. The loss of this young, dedicated officer sent shock waves throughout the law enforcement community. He was taken from his family and friends during a senseless encounter with a violent criminal.

He and his partner responded to a routine call of a disturbance at a store in Rancho Cordova. They were fired upon almost instantly when they entered the building. His partner was shot in the arm but was able to contact other officers to respond to the scene as she continued to protect innocent citizens. Mark was at the door when he was shot repeatedly. The suspect continued the firefight until he was taken into custody. Mark was rushed to the hospital where doctors fought valiantly to save his life.

Born in Russia, he moved to Sacramento at the age of 5 with his family. He grew to love his new Country and his community. He had a lifelong dream to become a law enforcement officer. He achieved that goal and was sworn in as a deputy sheriff in 2014.

A true hero who embodied all those words imply - dedicated, courageous, loyal with loving concern for family and friends. A young man who stayed the course in service to his community.

Members of the Bruce Verhoeven Foundation Board of Directors will place a floral tribute at his final resting place. A tribute to honor his bravery and a pledge to never forget.

Be careful out there.

BRUCE VERHOEVEN FOUNDATION
Board of Directors

08/30/2026

On August 30, 2017, Deputy Robert French was killed in the line of duty when he went to the aid of officers who were being fired upon at the Ramada Inn on Auburn Boulevard.

Earlier in the day, investigators of the Sacramento County Auto Theft Suppression Task Force began a surveillance at this location and had probable cause to try and force entry into one of the motel rooms. Shots were fired from inside the room and the investigators radioed that shots had been fired and requested assistance.

Deputy French was minutes away from the motel and responded immediately. By this time the suspect had emerged onto the balcony of the motel and fired an AK-47 at officers. They returned fire in an attempt to contain the suspect on the balcony. The suspect leaped from the balcony and fled to the front of the building as Deputy French arrived. The suspect fired numerous times at Deputy French’s vehicle as he attempted to reach a stolen vehicle in the parking lot. Deputy French pursued the suspect in an effort to keep him from leaving the scene. While going to the aid of other officers, Deputy French was shot by the suspect and mortally wounded.

In spite of his life ending wound, Deputy French continued his efforts to keep the suspect from leaving the scene and causing more harm to others. The suspect kept the officers pinned down and was able to leave the parking lot in his vehicle.
At this time officers and fire personnel immediately provided life-saving measures to Deputy French. Despite their efforts, Deputy Robert French succumbed to his injuries.

When this terrible event ended, officers retrieved an Ak-47 rifle, numerous handguns, and a live gr***de from the suspect’s vehicle. Drugs and an additional handgun were located in the motel room of the suspect.

Deputy French paid the ultimate sacrifice in his efforts to keep his fellow officers safe from harm. His display of bravery and professionalism under fire is a tribute to the man who had served 21-years pledging to protect the citizens of Sacramento County.

Members of the Bruce Verhoeven Foundation will place flowers at the grave of Deputy French in remembrance of his dedicated service to all of the people in Sacramento County. We want his family to know that he will never be forgotten by his law enforcement family.

Be careful out there...
BRUCE VERHOEVEN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

08/15/2026

Today, we remember the loss of our first Sheriff, Joseph McKinney. He was elected to serve the people of Sacramento County on April 1, 1850, at a time when Sacramento was struggling to become a community and law and order was in its infancy.

Gold had been discovered at Coloma and hundreds of people were rushing to get rich as more people arrived daily. The community was not ready for such an influx of people and the newcomers were just squatting on property owned by others. Tempers were running high and it was the job of our young Sheriff and his deputies to keep the peace.

On August 14, 1850, the long-simmering feud between the squatters and the landowners came to a head and a riot ensued near 4th and J Streets. The young Sheriff was shot at six times by the rioters but was not injured. The Assessor and several civilians and suspects were killed during the melee. In the confusion of the riot, the shooters got away.

The next day the Sheriff and his men met at Sutter’s Fort and proceeded to the township of Brighton where it was reported the suspects were hiding. The suspects were located at the Allen House. The Sheriff and his deputies surrounded the property, a volley of gunfire erupted from the house and our young Sheriff was shot and killed.
Sheriff Joseph McKinney had only served 4 months as Sheriff. He was 21 years old. In that short time, he displayed the utmost bravery and dedication to the people of Sacramento in his efforts to try and restore law and order to this growing community.

Sheriff McKinney’s funeral was held with honors at Sutter’s Fort. He was survived by his new bride of four months. He was laid to rest in the Sacramento City Cemetery. After 100 years or so, this property was chosen to become Sutter School. All of the graves were moved from that location.
Sheriff McKinney now lies at the East Lawn Memorial Park at 52nd & Folsom Boulevard. During a remembrance ceremony on August 15, 1995, the Bruce Verhoeven Foundation placed a granite memorial at his final resting place. A floral tribute will be placed at his grave by a member of the Bruce Verhoeven Foundation.

Be safe out there.
Bruce Verhoeven Memorial Board of Directors

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.......

Bruce Verhoeven Foundation

09/17/2026

08/30/2026

08/15/2026

07/13/2026

07/13/2026

06/15/2026

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03/29/2026

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