Thousands Attend Funeral Of Fallen Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer

Posted by: Jade Aubuchon in Community News, Santa Clarita Latest News October 5, 2023 - 2:30 pm 0 2,399 Views

Thousands of law enforcement officers from various departments filled the pews at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angeles Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday to attend the funeral for Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.

Image from L.A. County Sheriff’s Department

“Sometimes in attempt to offer consolation in these situations, people will say ‘be strong it’s God’s will,’ but I’m not here to say that,” Father Vaughn Winters, Pastor of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Santa Clarita said. “This was not God’s will, that Ryan went home so soon. This is not God’s will that we are here grieving and suffering at this time. God did not desire this, but God is with us to help us to get through it.”

Clinkunbroomer was shot and killed in his marked vehicle just outside the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station on Saturday, Sept. 16, and was immediately rushed to the Antelope Valley Medical Center, where he later died. The shooting has been deemed an “ambush” by investigators. The shooter awaits trial for murder.

Father Vaughn Winters of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church (Screengrab)

“His mission was to protect to love and to serve and to sacrifice for others. We honor his life by striving to complete his mission that was cut short, tragically, and do the same,” Winters said.

An eight-year veteran, Clinkunbroomer was a fourth-generation member of the LASD, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, his grandfather, father and mother in protecting the public and upholding the law.

“Ryan was everything we look for in a deputy sheriff,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. “Integrity, a passion to serve, high emotional intelligence and a heart of a guardian. And yes, when needed, an absolute warrior. His reputation was one of a true professional.”

Several of Clinkunbroomer’s close friends from the LASD Palmdale Station spoke, sharing tidbits of Clinkunbroomer’s personality, painting a picture of an honorable, fun-loving man who dedicated himself to improving the lives of everyone he met, not only professionally, but in his personal life.

“Clink was one of the first people I’d call whenever I got stuck or needed guidance on a call,” said Deputy Zachary Corrales. “And he was always there for me. He was a role model to me as a young deputy and also as a person, because of how he carried himself and how he cared for the people around him.”

During his time as a deputy, Clinkunbroomer handled 5,583 calls for service, handled 3,333 operations, and put 950 offenders behind bars.

“We spoke about why we do this job, why we’re all part of this family, and it’s because of people like Clink: the lions, the tip of the spear. Clink was leading the way,” said Deputy Zachary Gregg. “Clink to me was one of my favorite people. He was my best friend.”

Newly-minted Captain of the Palmdale Station, Josh Bardon, should have spent the 16th of September celebrating his new position. Instead, the entire station was launched into a nightmare.

“He just texted me about an hour prior to the incident. And I was waiting, waiting, waiting for a response, and I never got a response,” said Deputy Andrew De La Rosa. “He did everything right, everything by the book. And he was smooth, very smooth, with what he did. Nobody had to check his work, nobody had to double-check his work. And when you saw Clink, you knew it was going to be handled perfectly.”

Clinkunbroomer grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley, graduating from West Ranch High School, where he ran for the Cross Country Team and took part in the West Ranch TV program. He had just become engaged to his fiancee, Brittany Lindsey, just a few days before his tragic murder – on their second anniversary.

“September 16 is a day I love and hate. I hate this day. Because two years after our first date on September 16, I lost him… I love September 16 because it’s the day I met Ryan, and the day we celebrated our anniversary,” Lindsey said.

Brittany Lindsey with Michael and Kim Clinkunbroomer (Screengrab)

Lindsey reflected on the short time the couple had together, and on the life they had planned to share with each other, excitedly discussing the bigger house they would buy, the dream boat they would one day own and the baby names they would use.

“He was my person. I find some solace in Ryan’s commitment to me. I know he left this world full of love. He was ready to commit his life to me and I was ready to commit mine to him,” Lindsey said. “I would give anything in the world to have him here. I wish I could kiss him, hug him, tell him one last time that I love him. He’s the best guy I’ve ever met and my best friend. He didn’t deserve this. I will never understand why this happened to him.”

Lindsey was joined by Clinkunbroomer’s parents, Michael and Kim. Together, they shared memories of the man they had all loved, and who should have been allowed to love them in this world for many years to come.

“Today we bid farewell to our firstborn son Ryan. A brother, a friend, a grandson, a partner and a fiancee to Brittany. We’re not saying goodbye Ryan, but we’re saying ‘thank you,” Michael said. “I’m saying thank you, Ryan, for making me a better human being. Thank you for your infectious, never-ending smile and laughter. Thank you, Ryan, for your love of life. Ryan Michael, your entire family loves you. Your mother and I will always miss you. I’ll see you one day in heaven. You’re my hero.”