The somber procession was a spectacular display of respect by law enforcement and firefighters. At 12 noon, Youngstrom left Contra Costa County for the last time. The 37-year veteran of the CHP was a married father of four children. His body had been at the John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek for almost a week. His organs were harvested after he was taken off life support.
The large contingent of CHP officers on motorcycles and in patrol cars accompanied the hearse as it wound its way over the 680 bridge and toward Vallejo. Waiting firefighters got out of their fire trucks and saluted the fallen officer. As the motorcade passed the Golden Gate Division headquarters of the CHP, officers and citizens lined the street to pay their respects.
"Some of the people who were on that scene and treated the officer are here today and this is part of a healing process for them as well," Contra Costa Fire Battalion Chief Terry Stewart said.
Marina Bomar's niece is married to one of those in the escort. "They put their, literally, their lives on the line for all of us every day. When they go out to work in the morning, it's many times in their careers that some of them don't return home," she told ABC7 News.
Youngstrom's widow and his children were part of the massive motorcade which headed up to the Napa Valley. All along the way, police and firefighters stood at attention saying their goodbyes to one of their own. On Highway 29, two fire trucks atop an overpass raised their ladders and attached a huge flag. In the final leg of the procession, a CHP helicopter dipped over the motorcade and followed the hearse to the funeral home.
The hearse arrived at the Morrison Funeral Chapel at about 1:20 p.m., almost an hour and a half after it left Martinez. The CHP escorts lined up at the entrance while the flag-draped casket was carried into the home. Jeanie Battistuzzi of Napa, who went to pay respects at the funeral home, said what was on the minds of many Monday. "Just want to tell them that we're all standing with them and praying for them at this time in their life," she said.
Donations can be made to the Youngstrom family through any Wells Fargo branch in the Bay Area. Just mention his name to the teller and ask that their donation be placed in the "Kenyon M. Youngstrom Memorial Fund."
Donations can also be made at any Mechanics Bank branch office, via mail or through a wire transfer. Click here for instructions.
