ELK GROVE, Calif. — Friends, family and colleagues gathered in Roseville to say their final goodbyes to Officer Tyler "Ty" Lenehan, who was killed in the line of duty.
"I’ve been attending law enforcement memorials for nearly 3 decades. I never envisioned myself here," said Elk Grove Police Chief Timothy Albright. "Frankly, I was terrified to be here. I know my peers know exactly how that feels until I received that call on Friday morning, and that fear and that angst dissipated and it turned to honor and I'm humbled to be standing here."
Lenehan was struck and killed in a wrong-way crash caused by a suspected DUI driver on Highway 99.
The memorial service was at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at Bayside Church Adventure Campus, located at 6401 Stanford Ranch Road.
During the service, everyone who approached the stand mentioned how infectious his smile was and how big his heart was. Pastor Phil Layton, a family/friend of the Lenehan's said, "I was one of his pastors in his final years but I also got to call him a friend and a brother. His presence was a bright light.”
Also, a few of his Lieutenants and friends reminisced on his natural humor. "Every interaction with Ty was a memorable one," said best friend Chris Cahill. He told a few stories about the hectic but good times on the force. "Ty was a prankster, but he wasn't mean with his pranks."
There was also an opportunity for people to pay their respects to Officer Lenehan as his procession carried him from Bayside Church to Green Valley Mortuary in Rescue, Calif.
"281, rest easy, hero. We’ll take it from here," said Timothy Albright.
Who was Officer Tyler "Ty" Lenehan?
Lenehan joined EGPD in 2016. He was a six-year veteran of the police department. He took pride in serving his community and his work was recognized by all in Elk Grove. He also served with the Citrus Heights and Galt police departments.
Josh Magdaleno is a sergeant for the Elk Grove Police Department motor unit, and said at Lenehan's funeral, "In the years to come, the Elk Grove Police Department will become stronger because of Ty bringing everyone together."
According to EGPD Chief Timothy Albright, Lenehan was a husband, a father to his two children, a son, a friend, a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and a family member to those at the department.
"Officer Lenehan’s service will never be forgotten. His positive attitude, infectious smile, and bright personality will forever be missed," EGPD said in a press release.
Funeral Procession Route
Elk Grove Police Department announced the following as the fallen officer's procession route. The procession is expected to be near or around 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Depart 6401 Stanford Ranch Rd in Roseville
Stanford Ranch to S/B Highway 65
S/B Highway 65 to E/B I-80
E/B I-80 to S/B Sierra College
S/B Sierra College to E/B Douglas
E/B Douglas to S/B Auburn Folsom Rd
S/B Auburn Folsom Rd to E/B Folsom Lake Crossing
E/B Folsom Lake Crossing to N/B Green Valley Rd
Arrive 3004 Alexandrite Dr in Rescue
Traffic
With the procession and funeral expected to draw people in to pay their respects, some traffic impacts are expected. For a live look at traffic conditions, view the Waze map below (you can adjust the map by zooming out).
"These incredibly tragic events have a way of galvanizing organizations and communities and as you see galvanizing a profession," said Timothy Albright.