Support continues to pour in for fallen CHP officer

MARTINEZ, Calif.

There has been a steady stream of families, dropping off flowers, balloons, cards and donations -- all of them saying that they wish nothing but the best for Youngstrom's widow and children.

Support for Youngstrom's family began to pour in almost as soon as he was taken off life support Wednesday evening.

Ralph Brown is a board member of 100 Club of Contra Costa County, a non-profit that provides financial and moral support to the families of peace officers and firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty. It's a service for which he wishes there was not a need.

"I think everybody in our organization would love to never have to make any contributions at all and never have to deal with this," Brown said.

The CHP has accepted a check for $15,000 from the 100 Club on behalf of the Youngstrom family.

There has been help from other organizations too -- the CHP 11-99 Foundation has a photo of Youngstrom featured prominently on its website. They will provide his widow with a $50,000 death benefit. It's money they target specifically for fallen CHP officers.

Contra Costa County resident Jim Villa didn't know Youngstrom or his family, but he felt connected in their loss and hopes his donation can help the children to heal.

"I hope the kids grow up without any scars; it's tough growing up without a parent," he said.

Two official accounts have been created to accept donations for the family, one at Wells Fargo and the other at Mechanics Bank.

"It's a dangerous job and if something happens, I think the community should respond to that," Contra Costa County resident Anthony Schorr said.

So far, more than $60,000 has been generated for Youngstrom's widow and children.

Donors can go to any Wells Fargo branch in the Bay Area, mention his name to the teller, and ask that their donation be placed in the "Kenyon M. Youngstrom Memorial Fund."

Anyone wishing to contribute can do so at any Mechanics Bank branch office, via mail or through a wire transfer. Click here for instructions.

Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.