More Than 1,000 Turn Out For Memorial Service

A formation of twelve helicopters flew over a four-mile long procession of law enforcement vehicles -- a final goodbye to two Sacramento County, CA, deputies killed in the crash of their Eurocopter EC-120 reportedly suffered a catastrophic engine failure July 13th.

"These guys were role models, they were heroes in the sky," Sheriff Lou Blanas said in a eulogy quoted by the Sacramento Bee. "We will never, never forget them."

Two flag-draped coffins carrying the bodies of 36-year old Deputy Joseph Kievernagel (bottom, right) and his partner, 29-year old Deputy Kevin Blount (top, right), rested on the alter of St. John Vianney Church as law officers, friends and family members said goodbye.

A third deputy who was in the helicopter when it impacted the side of a steep hill near Lake Natoma remained hospitalized. Eric Henrickson was in critical condition Thursday at Mercy San Juan Medical Center.

The Bee reports Kievernagel and Blount were inseperable on and off duty. Kievernagel trained Blount when the latter joined the sheriff's department seven years ago.

The two deputies were remembered as inseparable friends. Kievernagel, a 17-year veteran of the department, trained Blount when he came on the force seven years ago, according to Sheriff Blanas.

They'd worked together ever since.

"Both shared a passion for flying, and they took it personally when the bad guy got away," said their supervisor in the air unit, Lt. Jamie Lewis.

FMI:  www.sacsheriff.com