Remembering Officer Chris Kilcullen: A Hero’s Legacy of Compassion and Service

April 22, 2025, marks the 14th anniversary of the tragic loss of Eugene Police Officer J. Christopher Kilcullen, a dedicated officer, devoted husband, and loving father who gave his life in the line of duty. On this solemn day, the Eugene community, the Eugene Police Department, and people across Oregon come together to honor his memory, reflect on his sacrifice, and celebrate the indelible mark he left on those who knew him.

A Life of Service

Born and raised in Eugene, Chris Kilcullen was a true son of the community he served. A graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in sociology and psychology, he joined the Eugene Police Department in 1998, embarking on a 12-year career defined by professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Known for his infectious smile and genuine kindness, Kilcullen earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, community members, and even those he encountered during routine traffic stops.

Kilcullen’s career was marked by remarkable achievements. As a member of the EPD’s traffic unit and crisis negotiation team, he earned 85 commendations and was twice named Employee of the Month for his outstanding investigative work, arrests, and community engagement. His ability to connect with people, whether calming a person in crisis or installing car seats at charity events—made him “everybody’s favorite cop,” as Circuit Court Judge Debra Vogt described him during his 2011 memorial service.

Beyond his professional accolades, Kilcullen was a man of diverse talents and passions. An avid scuba diver, he volunteered to clean tanks at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. A skilled negotiator, he once talked a person off the Jefferson Street bridge, saving a life. His humility and willingness to help others endeared him to all, from coworkers to strangers.

The Fateful Day

On April 22, 2011, Officer Kilcullen, then 43, was conducting a routine traffic stop on I-105 and 52nd Street in Springfield, Oregon. He had initiated pursuit of a reckless driver, 56-year-old Cheryl D. Kidd, who had run a red light. Riding his department motorcycle, Kilcullen followed her into Springfield on Highway 126. When Kidd’s vehicle stopped at a traffic light, Kilcullen approached, unaware of the danger awaiting him. Kidd fired a single .38-caliber shot from her Buick Skylark, striking Kilcullen in the chest. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he succumbed to his injuries.

The tragedy shook the Eugene-Springfield community to its core. Kilcullen was the first Eugene police officer killed in the line of duty since 1934, and his death underscored the daily risks law enforcement officers face. Kidd, diagnosed with schizophrenia and deemed too mentally ill to stand trial, was committed to the Oregon State Hospital, where she remains.

A Lasting Impact

Officer Kilcullen’s loss left an unfillable void, but his legacy endures through the lives he touched and the values he embodied. He is survived by his wife, Kristie Sampson-Kilcullen, and their two daughters, who were 4 and 11 at the time of his death. His family, including his father, John Kilcullen, a former Lane County sheriff’s deputy, and his extended relatives, continue to honor his memory with grace and strength.

The community’s response to Kilcullen’s death was profound. On April 29, 2011, over 5,500 people, including officers from 92 agencies across the U.S. and Canada, gathered at the University of Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena for a memorial service that celebrated his life. A 450-vehicle procession traced a 22-mile route through Eugene and Springfield, passing places significant to Kilcullen’s life—Autzen Stadium, where he worked football games; a beloved Starbucks; and the Jefferson Street bridge, a testament to his compassion.

Kilcullen’s memory is etched into the fabric of the region. The stretch of Highway 126 from Eugene to Springfield bears the name Officer Chris Kilcullen Memorial Highway, a permanent tribute to his sacrifice. Each year, the Eugene Police Department and community members gather at I-105 and 52nd Street to lay a commemorative wreath, sharing stories of his kindness and impact. “Getting together on the anniversary of Chris’s death makes me happy in the sense that so many of you remember him, that he was an important person,” John Kilcullen said at the 2024 memorial.

Honoring a Hero

Today, as we reflect on Officer Kilcullen’s life, we are reminded of his guiding principles: respect, dignity, and compassion. His father urged the community to honor Chris by showing appreciation for law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily. His wife, Kristie, speaking through a friend at his memorial, encouraged others to channel their grief into productive action, just as Chris would have done.

The Eugene Police Department, in a statement released today, reaffirmed their commitment to never forget Kilcullen’s sacrifice. “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,” the department said. “Officer Kilcullen is remembered by so many for the way he treated people with respect, dignity and compassion.”

A Call to Remember

As we mark this anniversary, let us honor Officer Chris Kilcullen by embracing the qualities that defined him. Let us show kindness to one another, support our law enforcement officers, and build a community that reflects the values he lived by. His name is forever inscribed on the Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Salem, but his spirit lives on in every act of compassion and service inspired by his example.

Rest in peace, Officer Kilcullen, husband, father, hero. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sources: Eugene Police Department, OregonLive, NBC16, The Register-Guard, KVAL News

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