Eugene Kostiuchenko - Law Enforcement - California

Eugene Kostiuchenko

Deputy Sheriff Eugene Kostiuchenko, age 41, died in the line of duty on October 28, 2014, on a freeway in California.

Eugene was a member of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office in Camarillo. He had 11 years of service.

Around 1:15 a.m., Eugene had completed a traffic stop on a local freeway and was returning to his patrol car. He was struck by a suspected drunk driver who fled the scene. The driver crashed his vehicle a short distance away and was taken into custody.

Kevin Hogrefe, age 25, of Camarillo, has been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and faces other charges of a very serious nature.  He has a previous conviction for driving while drunk. 

Kevin Hogrefe

Advice To All Drivers: If you find that you are wasted, drunk or doped up on street drugs or prescription drugs or if you are falling asleep on your feet, do NOT drive. Call a family member or a friend for a ride; or take a taxi; or stay where you are until you sober up; or crawl home on your hands and knees. It will be better for you and for the world if you do.

Regret can last a lifetime.

Eugene had emigrated from Ukraine.  It was his dream to become a law enforcement officer. 

Comrades describe him as a good natured man who had a sense of humor. He was determined and compassionate.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is in mourning over the death of their brother. He will be forever remembered.

Eugene's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He will be

Light a candle for Eugene.  Light his way
to Heaven.

forever mourned.

Eugene is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his wife and stepchildren.

Thank you for your service to the community, Eugene.

Pray for all who die in the line of duty.

God save us from the drunk and the doped up drivers. They are killing us, Father.

Pray that Eugene is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.