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Dear Friends,

The men and women of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association established the STAR 6 Foundation in 2005 after we lost two of our finest officers, Deputies Joe Kievernagel and Kevin Blount, in a tragic helicopter crash over the Lake Natoma area. Deputy Eric Henrikson was the sole survivor of the accident and spent many months recovering and has since been forced to medically retire from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department due to severe injuries sustained from the accident. Eric’s courageous recovery continues to inspire everyone.

During this time, there was an immediate and incredible need for financial assistance and grievance counseling for the victims’ families, most of whom were out of state, and the men and women of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association who were directly affected. After struggling with finding the needed assistance with local charitable organizations, the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association realized the need for creating and managing its own charitable foundation for the specific purpose of benevolence. The STAR 6 Foundation adopted the following motto; “LUX TUA NOS DUCAT” or simply stated, “Your light guides us”.

Since the accident that tragically took Deputies Kievernagel and Blount, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and the members of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association tragically lost two other officers.

Deputy Jeffery Mitchell was gunned down while conducting a vehicle stop in the early morning hours in November 2006, in a rural part of southern Sacramento County. Jeff left behind a wife and a young son. His murderer remains unidentified and at large. Most recently in December 2007, Detective Vu Nguyen of the Gang Task Force was gunned down while attempting to contact a known gang member in an area consumed by gang violence. Vu left behind a loving wife. His murderer was taken into custody after a massive manhunt was launched.

From drug dealers to violent offenders; each and everyday law enforcement officers step in harms way and put their lives on the line in order to protect the citizens in which they serve. Although we tragically lost Joe, Kevin, Jeff and Vu, our resolve and commitment as an organization to the community remains strong and steadfast. Please take this time to show your appreciation and commitment toward the officers in your community by pledging your financial support to the STAR 6 Foundation. Your support and contribution is greatly needed and appreciated.

The Foundation is governed in part by board members of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. The STAR 6 Foundation is a recognized by the IRS as a non-profit charitable organization under 501(c) (3) and all contributions and donations are tax deductible. (Tax ID# 20-3255899).

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