U.S. Army · United States 
Gerald Chirrick
1985
Gerald G. Chirrick served the U.S. Army for 2 years. Gerald also served in the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Sergeant Gerald Chirrick, Corporal Virgle Knight, and Special Deputy Ronald Terwilliger 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. Sergeant Chirrick was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He had served with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for 16 years and had previously served with the Reedsport Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, daughter, mother, and siblings.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1965 – 1967
U.S. Army
Also Served
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Sergeant
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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