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.”