Kane County Sheriff’s Office mourns passing of veteran deputy

ST. CHARLES TOWNSHIP – Kane County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Ruchaj died of cardiac arrest Feb. 14 at his home in Sugar Grove, officials said in a news release. Ruchaj was 50.

Ruchaj had been with the sheriff’s office for 27 years.

“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,” Sheriff Ron Hain said in the release. “Deputy Ruchaj was an extraordinary friend, coworker and brother.”

During his tenure, Ruchaj served on the patrol and warrant divisions and was the community resource officer at Kaneland High School in Maple Park.

Ruchaj was known for his passion for helping guide kids toward a positive path in life, according to the release.

Ruchaj 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.

Counselors have been made available to students and staff at the school as they process the loss of Ruchaj. Assistance also is being offered to his colleagues with the sheriff’s office.

Ruchaj was a father of three and friend to all who knew him, according to the release.

Ruchaj also had served as a Sugar Grove Fire District trustee.