Officer Kilcullen Memorial Service
Last Friday, I had the honor of teaming with other local photographers to help photograph the memorial proceedings for fallen Eugene police officer Chris Kilcullen. While documentary photography differs from my usual work, I was happy to assist the family in any way possible.
The day started early at 8 a.m. just outside Autzen Stadium. Motorcycle police officers from all over the region gathered to coordinate the procession that would begin at 11 a.m. I saw motorcycles from Eugene, Portland, Washington, and as far away as Boise, Idaho. Clearly officer Kilcullen’s death had struck a chord with law enforcement throughout the Northwest. As I listened to the officer in charge of the motorcade, I couldn’t help but be impressed by this tight-knit fraternity. There was a unity among them and they had a job to do for their fallen brother. This group of officers would be in charge of restricting traffic and guiding hundreds of law enforcement vehicles along the 21 mile procession route.
Walking away from the staging area, I passed a large open field filled with police cars, SWAT trucks, and other vehicles participating in the procession. Ideally, I would’ve taken an aerial shot to give a better idea of the large number of vehicles. Near Autzen stadium, flags flew at half staff in remembrance of Officer Kilcullen.
My next post was the Mowhawk Bridge over Highway 126 in Springfield. This would be an excellent vantage point for observing the massive procession. Hundreds of people gathered on the bridge above as well as the highway shoulder below to show their support. Because there were so many vehicles, viewers could see both the vehicles arriving as well as those that had turned around and were returning to head for Matthew Knight Arena. A helicopter team helped ensure the route was clear ahead.
The procession ended at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene. Here family, hundreds of law enforcement officers, and local supporters gathered for a tribute to Officer Kilcullen. As I watched the slideshow playing prior the service, I found myself fighting back the tears. Even though I didn’t know Chris Kilcullen, I was overcome by the brevity of life and how difficult it must have been for his family. One minute their husband and father was alive and well. A split second later, he was gone forever because a crazy woman turned a routine traffic stop into a homicide. It didn’t make any sense. This was a moment for which there were no answers.
Having never been to a police funeral, I did not know what to expect. I was surprised by the formality and tradition incorporated into such an event. It felt very similar to a military funeral I had seen in several movies. A color guard, honor guard, bagpipe group, and other elements gave the ceremony a special feeling of reverence and solemnity. Perhaps the most dramatic point for me was when a solo bagpipe player marched toward my corner playing Amazing Grace. He was then joined by the other players as the sound blasted out to fill the arena.
Everyone who spoke made a point of helping us get to know Chris Kilcullen better. There were numerous accounts of how people had thanked Officer Kilcullen after receiving a traffic ticket. Apparently he was so kind and respectful that people were drawn to him. Those working in the court system and other city offices expressed a similar fondness for him. Others spoke of his love for diving and pointed to his diving suit and others mentioned his old yellow truck parked to the side of the stage.
My heart goes out to his wife, two daughters, and the rest of his family. As I watched Chief Kerns hand those 3 triangle folded flags to Kilcullen’s wife and daughter, I couldn’t imagine the sorrow they were feeling. Even though I did not know Chris Kilcullen, it was obvious that Eugene had lost not only one of its finest police officers, but also one of its best citizens.
