Deputy Hagop “Jake” Kuredjian went out on a call on the line of duty during a search warrant call in Stevenson Ranch on a day like much today, 16 years ago.

Kuredjian was shot and killed August 31, 2001, while serving and protecting the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley. He was 40 years old.

He had been assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station since 1995, and was appointed as a motor officer for six months prior to his untimely death.

Today, deputies gathered at the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station in memory of Kuredjian, as they have remembered him for years.

“In my dealings with him he was super friendly and well-liked by everybody,” said Shirley Miller, PIO for the station who also worked briefly with Kuredjian before his death. “He was a friend to all. When you would come in from the field he always had a smile on his face.”

Related: Kuredjian Remembered As Good Deputy, Great Friend

His partner noted how Kuredjian was always one to put the wellbeing of others before his own.

“You never know when something is going to happen — this is a dangerous job when you sign on for it,” said Deputy Gregory Hutt of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. “He was going to help, he got the call and rushed to it. He wanted to help, he wasn’t one to stand back.”

An engraved monument dedicated to Kuredjian in Stevenson Ranch was unveiled on November 1, 2001, at the corner of Stevenson Ranch Parkway and Poe Parkway as a reminder to the community to keep Kuredjian’s memory alive.

In addition to this, Jake Kuredjian Park was dedicated to the late deputy on October 6, 2004 and can be found at 26265 Pico Canyon Road, Stevenson Ranch.

Although he is no longer serving the Santa Clarita Community, it is no doubt he will always be remembered.

“He was a really great guy. Always happy, smiling, fun, loving, pranks. Just a great guy,” says Hutt.

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