Deputy Sheriff Joseph Michael Kievernagel

Joseph Michael Kievernagel

Deputy Sheriff Joseph Kievernagel and Deputy Sheriff Kevin Blount were killed in a helicopter crash while on aerial patrol.

A mayday was broadcast when the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure and onboard fire.

Deputy Kievernagel made an emergency landing on a hilly area near Hazel Avenue's bridge across the American River. When the Eurocopter-EC120 landed, the tail end broke off, causing the fuselage of the helicopter to roll down a hill. A third deputy, who was first on the list to become a co-pilot, was also in the helicopter and received life-threatening injuries.

Deputy Kievernagel had served with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, parents, and seven siblings.