Today, April 22, 2020, marks the 10th anniversary of Eugene Police Officer Chris Kilcullen’s line of duty death. 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.
In our profession we vow to never forget the sacrifice Officer Kilcullen and his family made. This year we will honor Officer Chris Kilcullen by issuing a commemorative badge to all of our sworn personnel, and a commemorative pin to all of our professional staff personnel. The badge and pin will serve as a recognizable symbol of his service and sacrifice and will be proudly worn by his EPD family this year. EPD is grateful to the EPD Foundation for their donation of the funds for the badges and pins.
Eugene Police and a group of family and friends paid tribute today in a ceremony, with the EPD Honor Guard, Eugene Police Traffic Safety Unit (which Officer Kilcullen served on) and to his family with the presentation of the commemorative badges and Eugene Police Benevolent Association’s placement of a wreath next to a tree at I-105 and 52nd. There was also a minute of radio silence, and a radio commemoration.
Officer Kilcullen is remembered by so many for the way he treated people with respect, dignity and compassion. We will remember Officer Kilcullen by doing such things as being especially engaging and generous to others, playing with our children, taking a motorcycle ride, or something else meaningful to recall his honorable service.
No words can describe how deeply Chris is missed by his family, friends and coworkers.
Eugene Police Officer Chris Kilcullen
Eugene Police Officer Chris Kilcullen, age 43, was fatally shot at approximately 4:30 p.m. during a traffic stop on I-105 and 52nd Street in Springfield, Oregon on Friday, April 22, 2011. The suspect was later apprehended. Officer Kilcullen, age 43, left behind a wife and two children.
Officer Kilcullen was a 12-year veteran of the Eugene Police Department (1998- 2011). He was a graduate of the University of Oregon where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Sociology and Psychology in 1994. At the time of his death, Kilcullen was a member of a Special Operations Section - Traffic Enforcement Unit. He had also served in the Rapid Deployment Unit, Crisis Negotiations Team, and Crisis Intervention Team. As a member of the Eugene Police Department, he received more than 85 commendations for his professional demeanor and positive interactions with the community. He held Advanced Police Certification from Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.
Officer Kilcullen was honored by the community during a public tribute at Matthew Knight Arena, and in the naming of a section of eastbound Highway 126, now the Officer Chris Kilcullen Memorial Highway.
Officer Kilcullen was noted for saving many lives both on and off the road throughout his career. His courageously compassionate service, combined with his professionalism epitomized values the department strives for and the community seeks. Officer Kilcullen regardless of whether it was in his professional life or personal life, consistently engaged people from all walks of life.