Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Cheney and Deputy Raymond Williams were killed when their patrol pickup was struck head-on by a drunk driver on Highway 82 near Elgin, Oregon. The drunk driver was also killed in the collision. The deputies were returning from a search and rescue mission when the incident occurred. Deputy Cheney had only served with the department for 14 days and had previously served with the Douglas County Sheriff's Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his two daughters, parents, and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OR-87B0194A- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Michael. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Cheney served with the Union County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the La Grande community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Cheney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Michael Lynn Cheney is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OR, 115 of 197 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.4% of this state's fallen. That is 4.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Union County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael Lynn Cheney's cause is highlighted.
How Michael Lynn Cheney Compares
Offender Outcome
Killed in collision
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael Lynn Cheney is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael Lynn Cheney was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Union County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
