Prev
Incident
Sergeant Christensen was fatally stabbed by a 15 year-old youth when he attempted to apprehend his 16 year-old girlfriend who had escaped from the Umitilla County Juvenile Detention Center. Sergeant Christensen, unaware of the escape, stopped to assist the teenagers when their car broke down not far from the center. When Sergeant Christensen received information about the escape the boy stabbed him three times as he tried to stop the girl from fleeing. Sergeant Christensen managed to drive himself to the hospital. He died the next day after two extensive surgeries. A judge ordered the boy to be sent to a boy's reformatory. Sergeant Christensen had been employed with the Pendleton Police Department for 12 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpby395y4zmyph707dn4- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. 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.
Sergeant Christensen gave the Pendleton Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Pendleton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Christensen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Pendleton Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 115 officers killed feloniously in OR, 58.4% of the 197 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1976, 1 officer in OR was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 75 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 5.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 39. Of the 97 killed feloniously in OR whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 51; the middle age was 43. John had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
John was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 6.1% of these deaths in OR; November holds the most, 12.2%. Saturdays: 13.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Pendleton Police Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58.4% of all 197 deaths in OR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 3.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Pendleton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.