Mark Ruppenthal, formerly Moraga’s chief of police and currently a captain with the East Bay Regional Park District police, was honored Tuesday for lifesaving efforts rendered during his attempt to aid mortally wounded CHP Officer Kenyon Youngstrom.
Ruppenthal was on his way to work on Sept. 4 of last year when he heard an “officer down” call on his scanner and responded to the stretch of I-680 where he found Youngstrom had been shot in the neck. According to his citation, Ruppenthal ran to the stricken officer and, using his department issue compression-trauma kit, initiated lifesaving measures while coordinating resources already at the scene and until medical personnel could arrive.
Photo: Capt. Ruppenthal, right. Photo Courtesy EBRPD
Once the wounded officer was being cared for Ruppenthal diverted his attention to securing the shooting scene and directing incoming emergency vehicles and personnel.
Ruppenthal was honored Tuesday for his “leadership, quick thinking, and rescue efforts in a rapidly evolving critical incident” and awarded EBRPD’s Medal of Merit. Park police Officer William Deleon-Granados was similarly honored for his rescue of a stricken cyclist during a medical emergency in Tilden Park.
