Line of Duty Death

The senseless and brutal killings of law enforcement officers in the line of duty always cut especially deep. But the recent ambush and murder of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer struck a particularly painful chord, as it brought back vivid and sorrowful memories of a similar tragedy that occurred over a decade ago in San Diego.

In August 2011, while serving as president of the San Diego Police Officers Association, I was devastated by the news that one of my colleagues had been ambushed and shot while sitting in his patrol car, eerily like what happened to Ryan. Once I saw the video, I had an instant flashback to that fateful day when Officer Jeremy Henwood was critically injured in the attack and later succumbed to his wounds in the hospital. A short time after the assassination of Jeremy, a woman called 911 and told dispatchers that a man had just confessed to the shooting to her. Responding units encountered the man trying to leave the area in the vehicle and fatally shot him when he reached for a shotgun.

The tragic killing of Deputy Clinkunbroomer last month ?bears an unsettling resemblance to that dark day in 2011. Both men were ambushed without warning or provocation while sitting in their patrol vehicles. They never had a chance to defend themselves against the danger that stalked them. Learning the details of Ryan’s murder brought all the pain and anger of Jeremy’s incident flooding back. These were two dedicated public servants who made the ultimate sacrifice while faithfully carrying out their oaths. Both were young officers with bright futures ahead of them who were carrying out their duties to serve and protect when they were suddenly and violently taken from us. They had their whole lives and careers still ahead of them before it was cut short by vile, evil, and cowardly individuals.

It is our solemn duty to comfort the grieving family, friends, and colleagues who are reeling from this senseless loss. To the loved ones of Deputy Clinkunbroomer, please know that the entire law enforcement community mourns with you and shares in your sorrow. Though the hurt can never fully heal, we will continue to honor his memory and service through our dedication to the vital mission of protecting our communities. Ryan died carrying out that noble calling, and his life and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

While an arrest of his assassin has been made, nothing can truly make whole the void left behind or repair the damage done to the hearts of all who knew Ryan: ?a third-generation peace officer, recently engaged, an unwavering and dedicated Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputy, a fallen hero! We must redouble our commitment to his memory, not for the reason he died but for how he lived his life. And we must find ways to prevent such tragedies in the future through improved officer safety, mental health support, and public outreach. Most of all, we must continue to serve and protect the communities we serve, so Ryan and Jeremy’s deaths were not in vain.

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Holding the LA DA Accountable

With the incredible work done by the LASD, they were able to capture and arrest the murderer of Deputy Clinkunbroomer in less than 40 hours. True professionals doing strong work! This is a crucial step towards achieving justice for Ryan’s family, friends, and colleagues. However, it is now imperative that LADA Gascón fully prosecute the suspect. The suspect must be held fully accountable for this heinous crime.

Never in my lifetime did I think I would have to write an article about making sure we hold a District Attorney accountable for the prosecution of a cop killer! But, sadly, considering the current situation in California with progressive pro-criminal District Attorneys in office, this is exactly what we will have to do. What makes it even worse is that Los Angeles District Attorney (LADA) Gascón is a former police officer, and we still can’t trust he will do the right thing.

LADA must demonstrate that those who target our protectors will face severe punishment. Gascón has said his office "will tirelessly pursue justice" - now he must deliver on that promise. A just outcome in this case is necessary to deter would-be cop killers and reassure officers that the legal system has their back. If the suspect is not convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole, it sends the message that assassinating a deputy is not treated with the utmost severity under the law. Gascón owes it to the memory of Deputy Clinkunbroomer and the safety of law enforcement to ensure the suspect never walks free.

The community and law enforcement are watching you, Gascón! We expect the full measure of accountability that this horrific crime requires.

All donations to the ALADS CARES Foundation over the next 30 days will be given to Deputy Clinkunbroomer’s family. For more information, you can visit www.alads.org/donate .