California Highway Patrol (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has recognized CHP Officer Tyler Carlton as the nation’s top trooper for exhibiting tremendous heroism after his partner, Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, was shot on Sept. 4, 2012, along Interstate 680 in Alamo. Officer Carlton responded immediately, stopping the threat and preventing further shootings by the armed assailant.
Officer Youngstrom would later succumb to his injuries, but Officer Carlton’s lifesaving efforts enabled his fallen partner’s organs to be donated in accordance with his wishes.
“Officer Carlton displayed extreme courage in the face of overwhelming adversity in an attempt to save Officer Youngstrom. His selfless actions that day eventually helped save the lives of others,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “The California Highway Patrol is extremely proud of Officer Carlton and we are all truly grateful for his devotion to duty, and his love for his family and community.”
As a result of his courageous and heroic actions that day, Officer Carlton was presented with the “IACP Trooper of the Year Award” at the IACP’s mid-year meeting Friday in New Orleans, La.
Officer Carlton, age 26, lives in the Bay Area and was first assigned to the Westminister Area office after graduating from the CHP Academy in August 2009. Two years later, Officer Carlton transferred to the Contra Costa Area office where he continues to serve as a patrol officer.
Officer Carlton said he was honored and humbled to receive the award he described as “bittersweet.”
“I’m honored to share the story of how my dear friend, Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, selflessly paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the community that he loved. He is a true hero, and I wish I could give this award to him,” Carlton said “I’m proud to be a Highway Patrolman, and I’m proud of the work we do,” Carlton continued. “I am accepting this award on behalf of Kenyon, and all of my other brother and sister CHP officers, as well as the other three troopers who were nominated and every other trooper in this country. I’m proud to call them all my brother and sister.”
The IACP is a professional organization for law enforcement leaders worldwide. The IACP addresses cutting edge issues confronting law enforcement though advocacy, programs and research, as well as training and other professional services.
