Corporal Virgle Dewey Knight, Jr., Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

Corporal Virgle Dewey Knight, Jr.

Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

End of Watch Tuesday, July 23, 1985

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Virgle Dewey Knight, Jr.

Corporal Virgle Knight, Special Deputy Ronald Terwilliger, and Sergeant Gerald Chirrick were killed in a helicopter crash while conducting a marijuana eradication operation.

The helicopter crashed after striking power lines as it took off from the parking area of the Canton Creek Campground in the Umppqua National Forest.

Corporal Knight had served with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for seven years. He was survived by his wife, son, parents, and siblings.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 7 years
Badge 111

Incident Details

Cause Aircraft accident

narcotics

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Most Recent Reflection

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Don Jr as,we knew him was my favorite cousin on my dad's side. Spent many summers in Poulsbo at their house. He was a truly amazing person. He'd come visit us in Benton city and in 67 and 68 he'd talk about being an officer and hated drug users and would Torry them even when we were in high school.
One of my memories was he wanted to rodeo his dad virgle knight would not sign the release. So Don Jr. Forged his dad name being his name was the same. HE swore ne to kerp quite,But of course Murphys law stepped in and low and behold his horse stumbled and fell on him and broke his leg. Madigan hospital called and told uncle virgke what happened and he said "not my son ididn't sign the release." He was so mad he sent me and Aunt Francis to Madigan hospital to pick him up.

Pat
Cousin

August 13, 2025