Holly MatkinValencia, CA – Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Deputy Mike Churney died on March 17 after suffering a brain aneurysm.
The 44-year-old officer collapsed at home after suffering the “non-survivable brain aneurysm,” according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their loss.
He was rushed to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, where he passed away, according to KHTS.
The LASD Lost Hill Station said in a Facebook post on March 18 that the loss of the veteran officer was “devastating news.”
Deputy Churney was a member of the LASD station’s Motorcycle Unit.
“He could always be relied upon on at our station and also assisted other stations with their motor operations,” the LASD Lost Hills Station’s post read. “He was a regular presence at our station and could always be counted on for good conversation and laughs.”
Deputy Churney joined the sheriff’s office in 1996 and was initially assigned to Lost Hills.
He was later reassigned to the Men’s Central Jail and Court Services West, but eventually returned to the Lost Hills Station to work in the Motorcycle Unit in 2008.
Deputy Churney leaves behind his wife and his six-year-old son, according to the fundraising page.
“Mike, you will be dearly missed,” the LASD Lost Hills Station said. “We will never forget your dedication to your family, our department, and the residents of Los Angeles County. Rest in Peace Sir, we will take it from here.”
A procession honoring the fallen deputy took place outside the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital campus on Saturday, according to The Signal.
As first responders saluted, the enforcement procession traveled beneath a massive American flag that had been hung from a fire engine.
Deputy Michael Churney was a beloved husband and father. Mike, you will be dearly missed. We will never forget your dedication to your family, our department, & the residents of LA County. RIP Sir, we will take it from here. #EOW031721https://t.co/wOE31bIjvb pic.twitter.com/UIb4eQOViz
— LASD Lost Hills Stn. (@LHSLASD) March 18, 2021
.@LHSLASD Deputy Mike Churney was honored with a procession from @LASDHQ, @GlendalePD, @LAPDHQ, @LACOFD today as his body was escorted from @HenryMayoHosp to mortuary.
The 44-year-old Santa Clarita resident died suddenly this week leaving behind wife and 6-year-old son. pic.twitter.com/hdS094IJZ8
— Austin Dave (@AustinDave_) March 20, 2021
There are no words as to why someone so young, so vibrant, so loving, so caring, so selfless, so special to all he touched, can be taken in a blink of an eye. We remember and honor you Reserve Deputy #MikeChurney for the selfless decades of service you provided to @LASDHQ pic.twitter.com/X8qLkll1nJ
— Malibu Search Rescue (@MalibuSAR) March 19, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Deputy Mike Churney, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
