April 22, 2023, marks the anniversary of Eugene Police Officer Chris Kilcullen’s line of duty death. In our profession we vow to never forget the sacrifice Officer Kilcullen and his family made. Many of our employees and community members lived through the events of April 22, 2011, and are keenly aware of how significant that date is. It is hard to capture the essence of his loss and the impact it has had on so many people. Officer Kilcullen is remembered by so many for the way he treated people with respect, dignity and compassion.
Eugene Police Department and also community members will be gathering at a couple of different locations to honor Officer Kilcullen and his family this year.
EPD members will be placing a commemorative wreath at I-105 and 52nd, Springfield, during a roadside gathering:
1 p.m. on April 22
I-105 & 52nd
Oregon High School Equestrian Team District Meet Grand Entry:
Officer Kilcullen’s daughter, Katie, will carry a flag during a grand entry that honors her father at her Oregon High School Equestrian Team District Meet. The event is free and open to the public.
OHSET District Meet Grand Entry
7 p.m. on April 22
Oregon Horse Center
90751 Prairie Road
Eugene, OR 97402
Background:
Officer Chris Kilcullen, 43, was shot and killed during a traffic stop on I-105 and 52nd Street in Springfield, Oregon on Friday, April 22, 2011. Officer Kilcullen had initiated a traffic stop of a reckless driver, who ran a red light. The driver, age 56, fled and Officer Kilcullen pursued her into Springfield on Highway 126. The vehicle swerved around several cars that were waiting at a red light at 52nd Street. The suspect’s vehicle was stopped and as Officer Kilcullen approached the vehicle, he was hit when the suspect suddenly fired a handgun, fatally wounding him. The suspect continued to flee and was pursued by numerous local officers for 35 miles to a forest road near Westfir, where she finally stopped. She remained in her car for several hours during a standoff until finally being taken into custody.
Officer Kilcullen, a 12-year veteran, had a remarkable career with 85 commendations, even from drivers he stopped. He won employee of the month awards in May 2004 and June 2008 after conducting the most investigations, arrests, traffic citations and field interviews among Eugene police officers. He moved to the traffic unit in 2005 and was a longtime member of the department’s crisis negotiation team, saving many lives. Officer Kilcullen left behind a wife, two children, a cousin who was like a sister, sister Colby, brother Cory, his father, John Kilcullen, and step mother Sherrie, many friends and coworkers, and a community that loved him.
The entire length of OR 126 (Eugene-Springfield Hwy), from the intersection with 6th and 7th Streets in Eugene to the intersection with East Main Street in Springfield, has been officially named in honor of Eugene Police Officer Chris Kilcullen. Senate Bill 987, approved in May 2011 by the Oregon Legislature, directed the Oregon Department of Transportation to place markers along the highway with the memorial designation. A total of four signs are now located at each end of the highway, and where travel from I-5 joins the highway in each direction.
Original Article: Source