Recently we observed Memorial Day to remember those men and women who gave their lives in the protection of our United States of America. 

Now the month of June is upon us and we must remember three of our brave officers who gave their lives to protect our own community. 

On June 3, 1955, William L. Littlejohn was rushing a suicide 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 of injuries received from this accident.  Deputy Littlejohn is buried at the Sylvan Cemetery on Greenback Lane.

On June 7, 1968, Deputy Kenneth Royal was shot to death by an armed suspect following an armed robbery in South Sacramento.  Deputy Royal is buried at East Lawn Sierra Hills Memorial Park on Greenback Lane.

On June 13, 1976, Deputy Stewart Baird was killed by an armed suspect during a robbery of a business were his wife was employed.  He attempted to apprehend the suspect as he left the business.  Deputy Baird is buried at Mount Vernon Memorial Park on Greenback Lane. 

The Bruce Verhoeven Foundation website has more details on the deaths of these three officers.  Please visit http://www.verhoevenfoundation.org/ for an opportunity to read about and remember these dedicated deputy sheriffs. 

The Bruce Verhoeven Foundation members will place a floral remembrance at each grave site to commemorate their ultimate sacrifice to this community.

Also, the Bruce Verhoeven Foundation will began a new tradition this month by placing a Memorial Remembrance in the Sacramento Bee for each of our officers killed in the line of duty on the anniversary of their deaths.  This way the community, along with each of us, can honor these fallen heroes.

To all of the officers of this Department, be careful out there, we care. 

The Bruce Verhoeven Foundation