Mourners on Saturday honored Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Ruchaj during a funeral service for him at Kaneland Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove.
A large crowd came out for the funeral for Ruchaj, who died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on Feb. 14 at his home, sheriff’s officials said.
Ruchaj, 50, had been with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office since 1997, according to a press release from the department.
In the release, Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain lauded Ruchaj for his work with the department.
“There are no words to express our gratitude and appreciation for his many years of service and dedication to both the KCSO and the community he served,” Hain said. “Deputy Ruchaj was an extraordinary friend, co- worker and brother.”
During his tenure, Ruchaj served on the patrol and warrant divisions and was currently working as the Community Resource Officer at Kaneland High School in Maple Park, officials said.
Counselors have been made available to students and staff at the school as they process the loss of Ruchaj, and assistance has also been offered to his colleagues with the Sheriff’s Office, according to the release.
Officials in the release said Ruchaj was known for his passion for helping guide kids toward a positive path in life. He recently participated in a roundtable discussion concerning online safety, emphasizing the importance of parents engaging in conversations with their teenagers about the enduring nature of social media content, officials said.
He also previously served as a Sugar Grove Fire Protection District trustee, according to officials.
Ruchaj was the father of three children. On a post on its Facebook page, Kane County Sheriff’s officials said donations can be made by check to the Deputy Chris Ruchaj Memorial Fund to support his children. Donations can be mailed to Deputy Chris Ruchaj Memorial Fund, Kane County Sheriff’s Office, c/o Sheriff Ron Hain, 37W755 Route 38, St. Charles, IL 60175.
