January 21, 1988, Sergeant Richard Deffner lost his life In-the Line- of Duty. For those of us who knew Rick Deffner this 20th anniversary of his death still reminds us of the terror of that awful night. Sgt. Deffner was commanding the Special Enforcement Detail in an all day search for an armed robbery suspect who had been active in the Rancho Cordova area. The search was terminated because of darkness. Several hours later a direct confrontation happened between the suspect and patrolling officers. He fired at officers and took cover at a public storage area near a large apartment complex. A perimeter was established and S.E.D. once again returned to the scene.

Sgt. Deffner realized that if the suspect was on the roof of the apartment complex he would have a definite advantage over the officers below. Sgt. Deffner made the decision to search the roof area with two of his team members. Not finding the suspect on the roof, the officers heard noises coming from the yard below. Sgt. Deffner peered over the edge of the roof and was shot in the face by the suspect.

The funeral for Sergeant Deffner was the biggest tribute to an officer of the law that most of us had ever seen. We were overwhelmed by the show of sympathy and respect for the law enforcement community. The procession to the cemetery was miles long. People lined Interstate 80 as we made our way to Mt. Vernon Memorial Park.

Unfortunately we have had to go through this experience to many times since 1988.

Members of the Bruce Verhoeven Foundation will place flowers at Sergeant Richard Deffner’s grave in remembrance of his dedication to his fellow officers and the people of Sacramento County.

Be careful out there……………