Vigil held in Palmdale honoring slain deputy

A candlelight vigil in memory of slain Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer attracted a large crowd at the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station on Sunday night.  

It was an emotional night for approximately 150 community members, law enforcement officers and Palmdale City Council members as they all mourned the violent crime that took Clinkunbroomer’s life on Saturday evening.  

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, Palmdale Mayor Laura Bettencourt, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, were present among the crowd honoring Clinkunbroomer. 

“To Ryan’s family, and to the men and women who put on the uniform every day to protect us. Our hearts are with you. This has probably been one of the hardest days of my job. Hard, but yet when I come up here and I look at this community, you have a community that’s uplifting you,” Barger said.  

Attendees wore blue ribbons in honor of Clinkunbroomer and lighted candles during the ceremony.  

Candles, flowers and patriotic memorabilia were set on the corner of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q.  

“This is the time to embrace one another and recognize Palmdale and Lancaster are strong. We stand shoulder to shoulder and we’ll be here to make sure that accountability is made,” Barger said. 

Lackey, whose Assembly district covers the Antelope Valley but also includes some eastern portions of the Santa Clarita Valley, shared an emotional speech thanking law enforcement for putting their lives at risk every day. 

“What happened yesterday is beyond comprehension. I’m so thankful to see so many people here, rally together to help us unify … And what needs to be reminded is that we all want to feel safe,” Lackey said. “Those who wear the uniform, we’re thankful for you.” 

The ceremony ended with a helicopter flying over the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station with sirens sounding in honor of Clinkunbroomer.