SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of California Highway Patrol Officer Kenyon M. Youngstrom:
“Anne and I extend our deep condolences to Officer Youngstrom’s family, friends and colleagues as they mourn the tragic loss of this dedicated officer, father, husband, veteran and friend. Officer Youngstrom died protecting the community he served, and we are grateful to him for that. We will always remember his courage, commitment and service.”
Officer Youngstrom, 37, of Fairfield, died Wednesday, September 5, after being shot while conducting a traffic stop alongside Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek the morning of September 4.
Officer Youngstrom entered the CHP Academy in August 2005 and was assigned to the CHP’s Contra Costa Area upon graduation in February 2006. He transferred to the CHP’s Golden Gate Division headquarters in January 2009 and had transferred back to the Contra Costa Area office on August 1, 2012.
He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1994 to 2000, achieving the rank of specialist.
Officer Youngstrom is the 223rd CHP officer to be killed in the line of duty since 1929.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, two sons and two daughters, parents, Gaylord and Jill Youngstrom of Riverside, CA, four brothers and a sister.
In honor of Officer Youngstrom, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.