Growing up, Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer was the type of kid other parents wished they could call their own. He was selfless, he always wore an infectious smile, and he wanted to serve his community. He enjoyed being a big brother to his sister, Katie, and brother, Chad. As a student at West Ranch High School in the Santa Clarita Valley, Ryan was a member of both the school’s track and field team, and cross-country team. He graduated in 2010 and left a mark on his alma mater, literally. Ryan’s handprint is proudly displayed on the school’s production studio wall right next to his nickname, “Clink.” His name also appears on a special Wall of Honor for students who went on to serve as members of the military or law enforcement. A high school friend, who is now a Los Angeles television journalist, called Ryan “a good man and a true hero” in her news report.

After high school, Ryan continued his education at California State University, Northridge. After graduating in 2014, he told his dad, Michael, he wanted to follow in his footsteps and join the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (L.A.S.D.). Ryan came from a long line of, not only law enforcement members, but relatives who specifically served L.A.S.D. His father served for 32 years, retiring as a lieutenant. Ryan’s mother, Kimberly, worked there for 14 years as a matron lab technician. His grandfather and great-grandfather also served the department.

Deputy Clinkunbroomer was known as a “deputy’s deputy.” He was smart and dependable. He had a strong work ethic. Ryan took on the role of field training officer, which is no easy task. He was assigned to teach others how to do the job the right way. Ryan was a role model. He loved his work and his co-workers. His colleagues said he had aimed to become a detective one day, and he was “a joy to work with.”

Ryan was courageous and kind. He had an easy humor, and a passion for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Dolphins. His greatest love, however, was his love of family, his fiancée, Brittany, and the family he was looking forward to starting with her one day. Tragically, just four days after he proposed, and on the anniversary of the day they met, he was murdered in an “ambush-style” shooting. He had just left the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station and was sitting at a traffic light when he was attacked. Deputy Clinkunbroomer had been with the department for eight years. He was just 30 years old.

Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer is being remembered as “a devoted family member and a cherished community member.” He was loved and adored. He was approachable and likable, and had a calm and cool manner, much like his father. At Ryan’s funeral, his dad spoke to his fallen son, “We’re not saying goodbye, Ryan. But we’re saying thank you. I’m saying thank you, Ryan, for making me a better human being… I’ll see you one day in Heaven. You’re my hero.”

Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr. grew up in Reedley, California as a proud son to farmworkers who dreamed of becoming a police officer. He took the initiative to pursue his education. Gonzalo served as a police explorer in his hometown, attended the police academy, and went on to serve as a non-paid reserve officer for the Selma Police Department for two years. Gonzalo was lauded for working on his own dime, not receiving a paycheck, while awaiting a paid position on the police force. During that time, he also worked in the fields helping to support his family. That’s the kind of dedication he exhibited – to his loved ones and to the policing profession. Gonzalo fulfilled his longtime dream when he became a sworn officer with Selma P.D. in 2021. Officer Carrasco was well-loved and respected by his department.

After serving with Selma P.D. for just two years, while on patrol one day, he was flagged down by a homeowner claiming there was a suspicious man on her property. When Officer Carrasco began to investigate, the male suspect fired several shots, striking Gonzalo. Investigators say the ambush-style attack didn’t give Gonzalo a moment to defend himself. The suspected gunman was a known gang member and a felon on probation.

Officer Carrasco was transported to a local hospital, where he was taken into surgery. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries. He was only 24 years old and mere days away from becoming a father. Gonzalo was very excited to be a father and was looking forward to starting a family of his own.

The Selma community rallied around Gonzalo’s family and the department after his murder. “Selma lost a member of the family yesterday, the brave police officer who gave his life in the line of duty while working to keep all of us safe,” said Mayor Scott Robertson. “We will never forget the sacrifice of this officer, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones and to our Police Department, City and Community which is shocked from this sudden and violent taking of a good person whose life was cut short far too soon.”

On the one-year anniversary of Officer Carrasco’s death, he was honored with a memorial monument in front of the Selma Police Department. Gonzalo was a devoted and loving expectant father, son, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his loyalty, laughter, and smile.

Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr. is survived by his mother, Veronica, father, Gonzalo, Sr., sisters, Alma and Paola, and brother, Christopher. Gonzalo’s legacy lives on through the son he never met, Maximus Gonzalo Carrasco. Thank you, Officer Carrasco, for your desire to serve and everything you stood for.

This marks the first line of duty death for the Selma Police Department, which was formed in 1893.

The Fresno County Deputy Sheriff’s Association is supporting the Selma Police Officer’s Association by establishing a memorial fund in which all donations will be given to Officer Carrasco’s family. Please send contributions to:

Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association

C/O Selma POA Memorial Fund

1360 Van Ness Avenue

Fresno, CA 93721

 

Deputy Darnell Calhoun was a committed and dedicated peace officer. He was a committed and dedicated family man – a husband, father, son, and brother. His loved ones say he was “an inspiration.” He was “genuine, kind, loyal, and had the heart of a servant.” In short, he was a gift.

Darnell was the father of two children, with one more on the way, at the time of his death. That child will never know first-hand the love and comfort of his dad – his caregiver, his protector. On January 13, 2023, Deputy Calhoun was the first to respond to a report of a child custody dispute likely involving domestic violence. As he approached the Lake Elsinore home, the suspect fired multiple rounds at him. Deputy Calhoun was shot and transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. He was just 30 years old and had been with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) for only 11 months. He had previously served with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) for two years. Deputy Calhoun was assigned to the Lake Elsinore station when he was murdered.

At Deputy Calhoun’s memorial service, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco addressed the crowd. Sheriff Bianco recounted a conversation he had with Darnell, asking why he wanted to leave the SDPD and join the RCSO. “He responded that his commute was too long and he wanted to spend that time with his family,” Bianco said. “With that answer, I knew we had hired a good one.” Bianco went on to say that Darnell was “the most good, wholesome man you could ever imagine.” Darnell’s pregnant wife did not speak at the ceremony, but she posted on Facebook the night before that he always made sure his children “knew how much you loved them” and “I know that the love you have shown them will sustain them through this life.”

The family restaurant, Calhoun’s Family Texas Barbecue in Murrieta, became a gathering place for the community after Darnell’s passing. Darnell worked at the restaurant for eight years before beginning his law enforcement career. His father says Darnell’s personality made him the perfect person to work the front. He loved to laugh with customers. Community members, both friends and strangers, visited Calhoun’s bringing cards, flowers, and banners showing their love and support. On September 28, 2023, a portion of Interstate-15 in Lake Elsinore was designated as Deputy Darnell Andrew Calhoun Memorial Highway.    

Deputy Darnell Calhoun will be remembered as a hero – a man who responded selflessly to a call for help. His family relies on their faith to get through this difficult time and says they know they will one day be reunited with Darnell. They “take great comfort in knowing that Darnell led a life well lived.” His loved ones are grateful to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement agencies across the nation that have uplifted them since his passing. Darnell’s family says, “His life, though cut short, is a blessing.”

Correctional Lieutenant Steve Taylor died as a result of contracting COVID-19 while serving at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside.

Correctional Lieutenant Taylor was a 27-year veteran of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and is survived by his wife, stepdaughter, mother, sister, and brother.

On the afternoon of Thursday, December 29, 2022, shortly before 2:00pm, Deputy Isaiah Cordero with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 3900 block of Golden West Avenue in Jurupa Valley. As Deputy Cordero approached the vehicle the driver produced a gun and fatally shot Deputy Cordero, then fled the scene. A witness called 911 and nearby residents attempted to assist Deputy Cordero until law enforcement and paramedics arrived.

Law enforcement agencies in Riverside County and San Bernardino County began a massive manhunt for the suspect, identified as William Shae McKay. McKay was located in San Bernardino County and a vehicle pursuit was initiated, eventually returning to Riverside County. A spike strip was successfully deployed on the 60 freeway, but the vehicle continued. The vehicle eventually became disabled on the 15 freeway in Norco and was involved in a single car collision. McKay then fired rounds at deputies who returned fire and the suspect was killed. McKay had an extensive violent criminal history including kidnapping, multiple assaults with deadly weapons, and the stabbing of a CHP K9 in 2021.

Deputy Isaiah Cordero, age 32, was an 8-year veteran of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and is survived by his parents.

Officer Houston Tipping of the Los Angeles Police Department was working as a bike instructor, participating in a defensive tactics scenario with another officer at the Elysian Park Police Academy, when he fell and suffered a spinal cord injury. Other officers immediately began CPR before he was transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to his injuries on May 29, 2022.

 

Officer Tipping, age 32, was a 5-year veteran of the LAPD. He is survived by his parents, Shirley and Rich; his stepfather Bob; his siblings Kat and Tyler and his girlfriend, Brittney. 

 

 

At approximately 4:45pm on June 14, 2022, two officers from the El Monte Police Department responded to a call for a welfare check and possible stabbing at the Siesta Inn in the city of El Monte. Authorities reported the officers confronted the suspect and gunfire erupted inside a motel room. The gunman then fled into the motel parking lot, where more gunfire was exchanged. The gunman was shot and died at the scene and a gun was found.

 

The two officers were transported to the hospital but, tragically, neither officer survived.

 

Corporal Michael Paredes, age 42 and a 22-year veteran of El Monte PD, is survived by his wife, daughter, and son. Paredes was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 

 

Officer Joseph Santana, age 31, had been with El Monte PD for less than a year having served previously as a Deputy with the San Bernardino Co. Sheriff’s Department for three years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and twin sons.

At approximately 4:45pm on June 14, 2022, two officers from the El Monte Police Department responded to a call for a welfare check and possible stabbing at the Siesta Inn in the city of El Monte. Authorities reported the officers confronted the suspect and gunfire erupted inside a motel room. The gunman then fled into the motel parking lot, where more gunfire was exchanged. The gunman was shot and died at the scene and a gun was found.

 

The two officers were transported to the hospital but, tragically, neither officer survived.

 

Corporal Michael Paredes, age 42 and a 22-year veteran of El Monte PD, is survived by his wife, daughter, and son. Paredes was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

 

Officer Joseph Santana, age 31, had been with El Monte PD for less than a year having served previously as a Deputy with the San Bernardino Co. Sheriff’s Department for three years. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and twin sons.

On the morning of January 21, 2022, at 0514 hours, the California Highway Patrol received a call of a wrong-way driver on Highway 99 near 47th Avenue in Sacramento. The calls indicated the driver was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 99. The CHP’s South Sacramento Division was in response.

At approximately 0515 hours, Officer Ty Lenehan of the Elk Grove Police Department was riding his department-issued fully marked Elk Grove Police motorcycle in the number 1 lane of southbound Highway 99 near 12^th Avenue. The roadway has a small crest and slight curve near the pedestrian bridge at 12^th Avenue. Officer Lenehan was struck head-on by a late model Dodge Challenger and ejected more than 100 feet from his motorcycle. Another motor officer from another jurisdiction arrived at the collision site within 30 seconds and began lifesaving efforts on Officer Lenehan. Emergency responders from the CHP and Sacramento Metro Fire arrived expeditiously and continued lifesaving efforts, but tragically were unable to revive Officer Lenehan.

The driver of the Dodge Challenger attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended by CHP officers when he was spotted hiding behind the concrete center divider.  The driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol and depressants. His preliminary BAC was .15 at the scene. He was on California DUI Probation from a previous DUI in 2017. He was arrested and booked on charges of vehicular homicide and DUI.

Officer Tyler Ryan Lenehan, age 44, was a U.S. Air Force veteran and had served with the Elk Grove Police Department for six years. He previously served with the Citrus Heights Police Department for four years and the Galt Police Department for two years.  He is survived by his wife and two children, as well as his parents and siblings. 

Born in San Luis de Custique in the Mexican state of Zacatecas, Val Martinez was an energetic child who loved playing with marbles, toy cars, and wooden tops. His mother immigrated to the United States when he was young, moving first to Watsonville and then settling in Delano, where his mother remains today. Val attended various public school before graduating from Delano High School. He then went on to study criminal justice in college and applied to be a law enforcement officer shortly after becoming a US citizen.

Val was initially hired as a correctional officer in Salinas, before being accepted as a LAPD officer. He was sworn in on April 30, 2007, and spent all 13 years of his career in the San Fernando Valley, first as a probationary officer in Reseda, then as a full-time officer in Mission Hills. In March 2013, he received a life-saving medal for providing care for a passenger who was having a medical emergency. He received over 70 commendations, including one from a young man he arrested.

After joining the Los Angeles Police Department, he met and fell in love with fellow officer Megan Flynn. It took only two hours for them to realize that they would be more than partners at work. Together they traveled, finding new adventures in cities across the country.

While not serving his community as a police officer, he volunteered with his church Real Life in Valencia building homes in Ensenada. His church and his faith played a large role in Val’s work as an officer. He was baptized a second time as an adult and looked forward to raising his children with the same faith his mother instilled him.

Val often credited his faith for teaching him to always find common ground with other people, whether that be a victim, an arrestee, or a civilian. He had a knack for finding a way to comfort people while treating them with respect and dignity. Val often found himself helping out the “lost sheep” who just needed a bit of extra care.

Police Officer Valentin Martinez passed away July 24, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19. He is survived by his domestic partner Megan and their twin sons who were born shortly after his death; his mother Maria; his father Ricardo, Sr.; brothers Ricardo, Navor, and Juan; and sister Diana Martinez.

Val will be remembered for his love of his mother’s cooking and obsession with the Boston Red Sox, but even more so for his easy-going sense of humor. He really was one of the good ones.