Sacramento Sheriff's Helicopter Pictures

Kevin and Joe we will miss you guys watching over us
Posted by Mark Limbird on 07/14 at 03:48 PM
Joe and Kevin, I can't thank you guys enough for being our eyes above us and keeping us safe. The Canine Detail and I will miss you terribly, but your memory will always live on. Thanks for the finds and fun and we take solace knowing we will always have you watching our backs during those long, dark searches. God bless you both.
Posted by Ian Carver K9-4 on 07/14 at 07:24 PM
Joe and Kevin, may God watch over you as you watched over us. I will never forget you and the memories you gave me. You are true Heroes... May you rest in peace.
Posted by Steve LeCouve K9-3 on 07/14 at 08:12 PM
Kevin and Joe, you guys always had my back and many times were my only cover. we will all miss you, but I know you will always be looking over my shoulder. God bless the warriors.
Posted by Todd Henry K9-5 on 07/14 at 10:34 PM
Joe, thanks for always being my "sassy star", and for the giggles when I needed them most. Kev, what can I say, they paid you for living out your dream. You will both be missed by all. Thanks for having our eye in the sky, and making our jobs just a little bit easier. God Bless you BOTH!!!!
Posted by Denise Lumley - Dp3 on 07/14 at 11:04 PM
Just wanted to express my saddness to the Dept. and the families of these officers. It is shocking loss and my heart goes out to those that knew and loved them. My thanks to the men and women who put their lives on the line daily and to their familes for the sacrifies made daily!
Posted by Cheri Frost on 07/15 at 08:40 AM
It was how Kevin and Joe lived and died that makes them heroes. Now they are silent angels in the sky.... Our prayers and endless gratitude to them and those they left behind. To Eric, if love and prayers can heal you then you will walk among us again soon. To the entire Sacramento Sheriff's Department, our deepest condolences on your tremendous loss and our thanks for all you do.
Posted by Kathy, Jim and Victoria Young on 07/15 at 12:12 PM
There is just something about the sound of the helicopter arriving on scene that makes us feel safe. There is the added comfort of hearing, "STAR we are with them". Joe and Kevin we will miss you both so very much. You will always be with us.
Posted by Cathy Muller - 33C5 on 07/15 at 09:55 PM
Joe and Kevin you will be missed by many people. We are all still in shock. The fullness of your loss may not be felt for a while. Eric we all wish you a full and speedy recovery. Kevin your finale words have been forever etched into our minds. God bless all three of you.
Posted by Rick Kemp K9-11 on 07/16 at 05:42 PM
Being a former K9 handler and now a Police Helicopter Pilot, your sorrow is shared with others who do the same jobs that Kevin, Joe and each of you do on a daily basis.
Keep your heads up and be proud of your fallen co-workers. From these photos it is obvious that your units are classy and desirable specialty units.

Mark Reese
Former K10 and now Falcon five.
Posted by Mark Reese on 07/17 at 11:53 AM
Joe and Kevin, I saw you just two hours before you left us on July 13th, and we shared a joke as usual. As two of the best co-workers and friends I have had the honor of knowing, I can't even begin to describe how heart-wrenching this has been. So I had to take the airplane up briefly Friday morning to my "church" in the sky. I know that you heard what I had to say.
Posted by Bob Dewante on 07/17 at 02:12 PM
Joe, For years we worked the streets together and had each others backs. I'll never forget the jokes you told while never cracking a smile. You went to the air and I went to the dogs. I will miss you greatly but I know you still have my back and your still flying higher than ever. Kevin, I'm saddend we didn't get to know each other better than we did. We are brothers just the same. God Bless both of you !
Posted by Chris Rogers K9 N-990 on 07/18 at 09:24 AM
Thanks for being there and watching over us. You will always be remembered.
Posted by Steve Proctor on 07/18 at 10:30 AM
Joe, I was thrilled when you finally came over to Air Ops. I knew that it was a dream of yours and it was great to see you fulfilling your dreams. I still remember the day when CW let you hover for the first time. Although I was a bit nervous, I knew then that you were going to spend the rest of your career at Air Ops. I felt like a proud brother the day you became a pilot and wished I had chance to work with you as an air crew like you and Kevin did. I will never forget all of the adventures we had there, all of the practical jokes, all of the mischief , the long discussions about useless trivia and heart to heart talks about your obsession with flashlights. You made me look forward to coming to work there and you always made me smile.

Kevin, you have been in my small circle of friends for a long time. I knew Air Ops was the place for you and that you were a natural for the job. I was thrilled that I could help get you over there and I knew right away that you would do the job better then I ever could. I could not have wished for a better person to take my place. I am proud of you and the job you did. I was also happy with the fact that you and Joe were finally paired up again. I can only imagine the conversations going on in that cockpit between you two. But when the time came, you both watched our backs and for that I thank you.

Both of you should know that your fellow officers were truly amazing despite the circumstances. It was comforting to see that you both were being taken care of even in death. The number of officers and the determination they all had in protecting you both is a memory I will never forget. They all stepped up and Eric is alive today because of their efforts. They put themselves out on the line on so many different levels. Rest easy knowing that they were watching out for you two just as you both watched out for them from above.

Eric, you have a warrior heart, so keep fighting. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

For those who protected and helped get my brothers home to their families one last time, I am eternally grateful. Try and take comfort in knowing that Joe and Kevin were doing something they loved and that they were doing it together. They would not have had it any other way.

We will miss having you guys being our vigilant guardians in the sky. I am comforted knowing that you will be forever watching and protecting us from above. I miss you both.
Posted by Steve Murphy K9-8/Air 214 on 07/18 at 10:45 AM
Words cannot express how I feel when two of my personal heroes are gone, but will never be forgotten. The both of you were great and will forever remain in my memories. I have a dream job and I know the both of you felt the same way. You are my angels in the sky watching over me so that I may make it home to my family. My family thanks you and I personally and professionaly thank you with all my heart and soul. Forever your friend and comrade.
Posted by Dan Perez N490 on 07/18 at 11:57 AM
Joe and Kevin, what can I say other then thank you and God Bless you for your work, your efforts and your professionalism. I've known Joe since i was a rookie on graveyard with him (The Quiet One). i knew Kevin as well and enjoyed you both. Thanks for having my back.

Eric----HANG IN THERE
Posted by Dana Gilmour on 07/18 at 03:17 PM
Memories of Joe “Keiv” Keivernagel

I was appointed to the Air Support Bureau at the same time as Kevin. Joe immediately showed me how easy going he was and friendly. He was easy to get to know and like. I soon discovered he and I shared the same passion for trinkets, gadgets and doodads. Yes, thanks to Joe I now own a couple of small flashlights and clip on lights. I do not however own a walking stick or a pirate’s eye patch.

Regarding the eye patch. The day of the accident I was seated in the conference room at the hangar when Joe came in to work. He was wearing an eye patch on his left eye. He sat down; I looked at him and cautiously asked the question, “Why are you wearing an eye patch”? I say cautiously because I was not sure if Joe had an eye injury on his days off since this was his Monday or because knowing Joe I did not know what kind of answer I was about to receive. What do you think? You are correct. Joe said with a straight face, “I felt like being a pirate today”. I paused, took that in, and said OK. Did you wear that out in public today? He said, “Yes”. I then asked him if Iris was with him. He said, “Oh no are you kidding”! “She would not let me do that”! Thank you Iris for saving Joe from himself sometimes.

I can personally relate to the fact of how Joe was with kids. He was great entertaining my kids. He was very patient and accommodating to them.

I was working the night of the accident and almost took that first flight with Kevin instead of Joe. That flight was not meant for me. Something came up and I passed on that flight. A bigger plan was in motion that we were not aware of until one hour later and only now are just beginning to try and understand. That flight was meant for Joe and Kevin; to be together as they wanted, partners in the sky. Some one else needed Keiv and Stitch to fly for them on a higher calling.

When I informed my children the following morning of the accident, they all three cried and said they will miss both Joe and Kevin. Dogs and kids can be good judges of people’s character and if my kids were ay type of yard stick to measure up those two, Joe and Kevin were 100 yards or more.

We all will miss Joe and Kevin as I know they have touched all of us in their own way, even the young ones.
Posted by Jeff Werblun, Air 206, Sheriff's Air Support on 07/19 at 07:02 AM
Memories of Kevin “Stitch” Blount

I was appointed to the Air Support Bureau at the same time as Kevin. I got to know Kevin as we began the training program as Flight Officers in the unit together. Kevin impressed me with his eagerness to be there and his sense of humor. I have 10 years of airborne law enforcement experience and I saw Kevin become one of the best observers I had worked with and he did so in a very short amount of time. I had the opportunity to have Kevin fly with me as my observer including the night before the accident. Kevin took it personal if the bad guys got away. He would have me stay on scene until he exhausted all means available to him in the helicopter and only then, when he was convinced the bad guy got away, then he would tell me, “OK I guess we can go 10-8”. It was great having a partner with that enthusiasm you would normally find in a brand new rookie on the street.

Kevin had a great sense of humor. While working the night shift on our breaks, we would watch police training films and aviation based documentaries like: Reno 911, Dodge Ball the Movie, and Team America World Police (Hey they had airplanes and helicopters). Kevin and I would laugh. I enjoyed someone with the same dry sometimes quirky sense of humor I have and that laughed at silly stupid things.

Kevin worked the day shift until just recently and he too was great with my kids. He would get them snacks and drinks and sneak them candy when I was not around in the room.

I was working the night of the accident and almost took that first flight with Kevin instead of Joe. That flight was not meant for me. Something came up and I passed on that flight. A bigger plan was in motion that we were not aware of until one hour later and only now are just beginning to try and understand. That flight was meant for Joe and Kevin; to be together as they wanted, partners in the sky. Some one else needed Keiv and Stitch to fly for them on a higher calling.

When I informed my children the following morning of the accident, they all three cried and said they will miss both Joe and Kevin. Dogs and kids can be good judges of people’s character and if my kids were ay type of yard stick to measure up those two, Joe and Kevin were 100 yards or more.

We all will miss Joe and Kevin as I know they have touched all of us in their own way, even the young ones.
Posted by Jeff Werblun, Air 206, Sheriff's Air Support Burea on 07/19 at 07:04 AM
Kevin and Joe, Your law enforcement family will never be able to quantify the things that you did for us. Protecting us on the ground as our partners and FTO's and then taking to the skies, guiding us and keeping us safe from the unknowns. We will forever keep you in our memories.

To your families, there is nothing like family. Our memories of Kevin and Joe will sustain us through whatever life and our careers may bring. Wherever you may be, we will be connected by ties that neither time nor distance can alter. We will miss you, Kevin and Joe, and all of the things you both represented, strength, courage, respect and an unwavering duty to serve the citizens of Sacramento County.
Posted by Bobby "R.L." Davis on 07/19 at 07:37 AM
It is hard not to smile when I think about Joe-Joe. I started calling him Joe-Joe because "Joe" was not a big enough name to encompass his whole personality. He is someone I am proud to say I worked with. We are all a little better for knowing Joe. He will live forever in my heart. God bless you Joe-Joe.
Posted by Michelle Alex on 07/19 at 09:36 AM
"STAR, copy a call in 6.. Kids on a roof of a school. No ground unit available yet."

How many times through out the years have I dispatched STAR on calls. There was CW, and Rich, James and Cotter, Jarbo, Murphy, Dewante, Smith, Kristina. And Eric. And Joe & Kevin.

"Main, STAR copies. Kids-on-a-roof. I think we can uhhh advise on ground units. Enroute from Elverta."

Was that Joe's voice or Kevins? I could never tell the difference. They were both professional and smart-alecky at the same time. They always made me smile and yet curse at the same time. No open mikes.

Being a dispatcher on swing shift, there's certain things you can count on. Busy summer nights, no home cooked meals, patrol units getting cranky if they can't eat when they want, and STAR being there when the shit hits the fan. STAR is as important to dispatch as their microphones.. or the patrol units.. or the very air they breathe..

And now 2 of them are gone and 1 badly injured. And the vacuum of their absense leaves me profoundly sad and shaken to the core.

"Main, STAR's 97. No more kids-on-a-roof. They scattered like bugs under a light. And if there's nothing else, we'll be 924 Mather for fuel."

Smart alecks. Making me smile again on the radio.

"Main copies, STAR.. Thanks."
Posted by Marci Badeker, Dispatcher on 07/19 at 11:25 AM
I never met Kevin or Joe, but I know that any time I "heard the bird" at night, or watched on my evening runs as they patrolled the river, I felt that much safer. Two people really can make a difference in the world and Kevin and Joe did a fantastic job proving it.

Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice to serve the public. God bless you both.
Posted by Lexi on 07/19 at 06:18 PM
I have been friends with Kevin Blount since 1990. We met at Del Campo High School and quickly became close friends. I remember when Kevin first realized that he wanted to be a police officer and how excited he was. We used to go to Walt's restaurant off Fulton/ El Camino just so Kevin could try and talk to some of the deputies that would come in and eat dinner. Kevin was probably the bravest person that I have ever known. He was the only friend that I have ever had that never judged me for anything that I did. I considered him a brother and will never forget the friendship that he shared with me and my family. He was always smiling and joking. He was the kind of person that everyone wanted to be around. I know that Kevin loved being a Police Officer and that he would be greatly honored by the memorial service that is being done for him and Joe tomorrow. I will never forget you Kevin.
Posted by Jim Plank on 07/19 at 10:05 PM
Joe and Kevin I have found my self asking why over and over throughout the week. I don't think that this is something that any of us will be able to understand. It seems like just yesterday when we were all sitting at air ops laughing and joking around durring our training day. Kevin I will never forget one my last searches with you. I could always count on you guys and knew if we both searched and didn't find the guy that he was gone. I can't tell you how much comfort it brought to all of us to know that you were overhead. I can say that all of us out there owe our lives to you two. I would gladly trade places with the two of you so you could be here with your families. I will miss you guys up there but know you will will always be watching over us. Know that you two have touched people you didn't even know throughout the world. God bless you both.
Posted by Mark Limbird K97 on 07/20 at 05:06 AM
Kevin and Joe, thank you for your service to our community. You guys are heroes in everyone's eyes. Words can not do justice to the loss that our Airborne Law Enfocement community feels. You will live forever in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families each and every day. May you rest in peace in the arms of God.

Eric, you are remarkable and we are all praying for your complete recovery. Keep fighting, we're with you all the way.

Leslie Berndl #12789, CHP H-20
Posted by Leslie Berndl on 07/20 at 05:54 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you both as well as with your families, friends and loved ones. I am thinking of you today as people grieve for you and say goodbye. My heart goes out to the entire Sacramento Sheriff's Department. This has been a tragic loss. God Bless...
Posted by Lisa on 07/20 at 06:23 AM
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of Joe and Kevin.
Even thought the days ahead will be most difficult , God will give you strength to carry on. Thank you Joe and Kevin for protecting the citizens of the Sacramento Region in the job you loved so much. You will be missed and never forgotten.

Sincerely,
Kelly & Letitia Ringo
Posted by Letitia Ringo on 07/20 at 07:04 AM
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Kevin and Joe, as well as the Sac County Sheriff's department. I couldn't help but feel your loss especially when the aircarft passed me on the flatbed on my way home on Hazel Ave.
Posted by Ben on 07/20 at 07:05 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and fellow officers of the fallen deputies. Sacramento county has suffered a great loss. God bless and protect all of you.
Posted by Patti Lohden on 07/20 at 07:13 AM
Three of God's Angels. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, many friends and colleagues.
God Bless,
Olivia
Posted by Olivia on 07/20 at 07:13 AM
My heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of these heroes.....
Rest in peace, my brothers.
Posted by Robert Bianca on 07/20 at 07:50 AM
I don't know Joe or Kevin personally, but I wish to send my deepest sympathies to their families. My father was a member of the Altoona Police Department in Pennsylvania for 34 years before retiring. I knew many of the members of the force and I don't know how many times I have seen my dad upset because one of his good friends was killed in action or automobile accidents. I know exactly what you all are going througha dn please know that my familiy and I are praying for you all each day.
Posted by Larry on 07/20 at 07:57 AM
kevin I havent seen you since you first started the force but I remember you sayin you loved it. Thank you for protecting us the way you did. My prayers are with the Blount familly Im sorry for your loss. I went to junior high and high school with Kevin and Ill never forget him. My god be with you always!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jessyka on 07/20 at 08:43 AM
I'd like to say thank you to all of the men and women who put their lives on the line everday, and to their familes for the sacrifies they make on the public's behalf! Although I'd never met either of these two men, I want to express my sympathy to their families and to law enforcement officers as a whole. It is a horrible loss and my heart goes out to those that knew and loved them.
Posted by Sue Kimball on 07/20 at 09:01 AM
I did not know Joe or Kevin but I like to thank them as well as all of Law Enforcement for putting theirselves out there everyday to protect us as citizens. May God be with Joe and Kevin's family and friends to comfort them during this difficult time. Prayer's are also with the Officer in the Hospital in ICU recoverying. May he have a full recovery and help comfort the friends and family also during this difficult time. May God be with you all.
Posted by Christina on 07/20 at 09:35 AM
To the officer's families, friends and to the Sheriff's Department and all affiliated, our hearts and prayers are with you. We have all lost two very good men. I only knew of them professionally as I have trained with them for SAR Operations. I hope everyone heals quickly but never forgets. We will think of them often.

Valerie Myers
SACSAR
Posted by Valerie Myers on 07/20 at 11:04 AM
I would just like to say my prayers are going out to the families of our officers. My husband was good friends with Joe as a child in scouts, and I feel like I knew Joe from the stories my husband Bill Nichols and his father shared with me. I can't image the hurt that you feel, but just know feel the lose also.
I am glad my husband had the chance to share some of his life and memories with Joe.
May God be with you.
Posted by Vanessa Nichols on 07/20 at 12:14 PM
We send our thoughts and prayers to all of the deputies of the Sacramento Sheriff's Department for the tremendous loss you have suffered. I had the opportunity to fly as an observer with my nephew, Steve Murphy, and saw first-hand the quality and professionalism of the members of this unit.
Posted by Denis Law on 07/20 at 12:35 PM
Our love and thoughts goes out to all of the deputies of the scaramento Sheriff's Department. Our love and prayers goes out to Joe and Kevin's Family. You all will be in our hearts.. When I see aSheriff's fly over our home we will look up and thank of you both Joe and Kevin. Joe and Kevin you will always be in our hearts for ever
Posted by The Runnels Family on 07/20 at 12:48 PM
THERE ARE 2 LESS BRIGHT STARS SHINNING IN THE SACRAMENTO NIGHT SKY. YOU ARE TRULY MISSED ALREADY. OUR CITY AND OUT SKY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU, BUT WE ALL KNOW YOU BOTH ARE LOOKING DOWN AT US AND STILL WATCHING US CLOSELY. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

STEVE BURTON
Posted by Steve Burton on 07/20 at 01:04 PM
Our respects goes out for all law enforsement officers. God bless Kevin, Joseph. May God Bring Eric Henrikson to a fast recovery.
Posted by The Metcalf Family on 07/20 at 01:04 PM
Joe & Kevin will always be in our hearts. So many times I would run outside just to see them fly by. We would listen to the scanner to find out where they were going and sometimes hoping they were going to be in our area just to see them. They were Sacramento's Air Angels now they are God's Angels.

RIP Joe & Kevin
Posted by Bill North on 07/20 at 01:37 PM
To anyone who knew both Joe and Kevin they were two of the best men that there ever has been. I am only a voluteer with the department, but upon our tour of the Air Support hanger we were greeted with the same respect that any other officer would recieve. Many questions were asked of Joe that night, and as silly as they seemed Joe just answered them as many as he could, as many times as it would take to get us to understand the dynamics of the aircraft. To those of us that do not have a lot of knowledge of such things it was a relief to meet someone who was willing to teach everything that was asked of him. I know that all of the community will sorely miss these two. They will never be forgotten. May their souls rest in peace and their families find the strength to pull through this tragedy. I also wanted to add a special thanks to everyone who was involved with the service today. It was heartwarming to see that so many people cared. To Eric I hope that you have a fast a speedy recovery. and I hope that you have the strength to overcome these injuries and that you will be just as strong as you can be. I know that this is not going to an easy situation to overcome, but I know in my heart that you can do and that Joe and Kevin will be there to help you out. I know that I will miss looking up to Star and thinking that Joe and Kevin are there to save the day agin, but I know that they are in a much better place now, where they have an even better view to watch over us. Though they are not physically there I know that I am still safe for they are watching out over me. For all of the Deputies that lost a friend and a co-worker please know that my prayers are with you as well and that Joe and Kevin will be watching over you as well. My heart goes out to anyone who was affected by this great tragedy. Please know that from this person, my heart is always praying to the families and the deputies and for Eric. You have the support of everyone to help you through this event, please look upon others when you think that you can not make it, for all of us have a spare shoulder to cry on.
Posted by Jillian Klein on 07/20 at 02:29 PM
To say Thank You seems hardly enough. Our smiles were replaced with disbelief when we saw the news. Our family grieves with yours. Our tears have fallen and prayers have been said. Even though we only know of them by this tragedy, their spirit is missing and we feel it. I hope knowing that they are in a better place can bring you comfort. "Blessed are the peacemakers ... for they are the children of God"...
Amen
Posted by Susan H on 07/20 at 03:06 PM
sorry for the fallen officers my blessing and prays to their familys And i like this web site I enjoy the pictures,the k-9s wish I knew about it sooner
Posted by sheryl white on 07/20 at 03:29 PM
I was one of the thousands of people who lined the route to pay trubute to the two fallen heros of the Sheriff's dept. The only other time I can remember something so amazing was watching the funeral of President Kennedy. My prayers are with both of the families who have lost so much, and with officer Henrickson who continues to fight for his life. In addition I would like to thank ALL of the heros who put their lives on the line every day for me and my family. You are ALL heros. May God be with you.
Posted by Robin on 07/20 at 04:03 PM
On behalf of the Napa County Sheriff's Office -

We send our thoughts and prayers to our fellow Deputies of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, the familes and friends of Deputies Kevin Blount and Joe Keivernagel.

May they rest in peace and always be our eyes in the skies.
Posted by Deputy Geoff Rochester on 07/20 at 05:59 PM
I remember Kevin from a long time ago. We were teenagers working at Taco Bell. I remember him well, he was quiet but very funny. Drove a low riding truck that always seemed to be under construction. I am sad to see that he had to die so young, but I a very proud to see that he was doing an honorable job and loved what he did. My thought are with all the families involved.
Posted by Jessica on 07/20 at 06:32 PM
As I sat glued to the TV today, I tried hard to keep from crying. This has trully been a very sad week. I did not know the officers, but share in the grieving. I have the greatest respect for the law enforcement community. Even during the final moments Joe and Kevin made sure that nobody got hurt on the ground. Joe and Kevin, you will NEVER be forgotten! Eric, fight like hell buddy, we all need you. To all of the officers families my prayers are with you. To the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department and all law enforcement agencies out there, a heart felt thanks for the jobs that you do and the protection that you provide to the communities you serve.
Posted by Tim Gray on 07/20 at 07:30 PM
Growing up surrounded by police officers, knowing the honor & dedication these men and women bring with them our hearts are with the families of Joe & Kevin. Eric, keep fighting!

Although we have never met them and live across the country, my son and I felt compelled to write. He also wants to be in law enforcement.

We question why so young. We take solace in knowing it was their dream, their love! For police officers don't choose their profession, they are born that way.

Our love and thoughts goes out to all of the deputies of the Scaramento Sheriff's Department.
Posted by Katie & Brandon on 07/20 at 07:43 PM
Joe and Kevin- Godspeed to both of you. Aero Detail has always been regarded as one of the most prime assignments in the department. Kevin must have been one hell of an officer to have landed a spot in the unit so early in his career. I never knew Kevin but do know I would have been proud to have worked by him anytime. I was very fortunate to have been an academy mate of Joes and worked with him early in our careers. I feel very fortunate to have worked with Joe and know him on a personal level many years ago. Rest in peace brothers you will never be forgotten.
Posted by Greg Meixner on 07/21 at 08:08 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with the families and fellow partners of these fallen officers. I was not able to be on the side of the road as the procession past but it was most certainly refreshing to see all those who did. It brought tears to my eyes to see the support for our Law Enforcement. God bless all of you who serve and protect.
Posted by Julianna on 07/21 at 11:04 AM
Joe and Kevin, thanks for the many great times and memories. I will miss you proffessionalism in the air and good nature on the ground. I always spoke of Joe as one of the best training officers in the field, and always appreciated Kevin for his hard work ethic and funny wit. I will miss you both sincerely. I recently met familys on both sides, and understand why you both were the good men you were.

Top Guns forever in our hearts, and never forgotten.
Posted by Bob French on 07/21 at 07:39 PM
On behalf of the SFPD TIU We sent our thoughts and prayers to all your Deputies, the familes and friends of Deputies Kevin Blount and Joe Keivernagel. The few times we were up there looking for 187 suspects, your air unit was always happy to help, May they rest in peace. Eric keep fighting, our prayers are with you..
Posted by Sgt/Insp Richard Alves on 07/21 at 08:26 PM
Working at the Sheriff garage for over 15 years, I had the honor to get to know Joe, Kevin, and Eric. We are part of the same family. The memories you left behind for me will live in my heart and mind forever. God be with you til we meet again.
Little brother get well soon. See ya at the North Station.
Posted by Bobby Wilhelm on 07/22 at 04:39 PM
Joe and Kevin - Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service and dedication to the patrons and officers of the Sacramento area. Although I do not work for the Sheriff's Department, you two were always there when I needed you, and for that words cannot express my thanks and gratitude. I unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet you in person, but I feel that I have known you for years. You both impacted my life tremendously by your actions and words on the radio and mdt. You will never be forgotten.
Eric and family- Get well soon! We are praying for you every day and wish you a speedy recovery!
To the families of Joe and Kevin, I thank you for allowing your sons and husband to be with all of us. You all are in our prayers.
Posted by Dan Birch - FUL20 on 07/23 at 12:34 AM
My son is officer Steve Murphy (K9-8) and formerly Air 214. I had the good fortune to fly with the crew on several occasions and witness the professionalism and the camraderie of the crews. And I was introduced to Joe one evening before a ride-a-long. As a parent of a police officer you try to keep the dangers of their jobs in the back of your mind and trust their training and good sense to keep them from harm.

I was relieved when my son got off the streets and into Air Ops. How many times do you hear about an officer getting hurt in the air.

As a parent, I can't imagine the pain Joe and Kevin's parents, and families, are experiencing. I only know how I would feel and I am so sorry you have to endure this. And I know how proud you must be of your sons as I am of mine for putting their lives on the line for all of us. It is very obvious they will not be forgotten.

To all of the men and women of the department, thank you so much for the thankless jobs that you do. God Bless you all.
Posted by Shawn Murphy on 07/27 at 10:22 PM
Hey Kev,

I've been unable to write here for sometime. The pain was way too much. You were my roommate and friend.

I've visited you and Joe almost every week since the accident. It is still hard for me to believe you're both gone.

I'll miss you bro.

I know we'll meet again but the wait will suck.

I'll never forget the cruise or the evening(s) at Incahoots!....(man, those were goodtimes!)

"The Beast" always has a cold one for you

-Dave
Posted by Deputy Dave Leon on 11/23 at 07:25 PM
I can't believe how much time has gone by. I wish i could call STAR on all my calls. There is something about the sound of a helicopter I can't explain. Maybe its the extra pair of eyes.

You both are greatly missed.

Keep us all safe.
Posted by Darrell Amos #445 on 12/21 at 05:15 PM
I still hate seeing this picture because it makes me sad, but I know Kev was doing what he loved! I cannot believe it's almost been a year- It never gets easier! We love and miss you Kev- Dawg and Joe
Posted by Laura Blount on 06/21 at 05:45 PM