Messages of Condolence

SACRAMENTO -- California today honors one of our great leaders, Bishop H.H. Brookins, who lived a life for the ages. Our state will miss the guidance and leadership he provided both in our faith community and in observing our moral duties to one another. Bishop Brookins was a source of great personal inspiration and encouragement to me, and my thoughts are with his wife, the Rev. Rosalynn Kyle Brookins, and his children.

Attorney General Kamala D. Harris expressed her condolences to the family of Stanislaus County Deputy Sheriff Robert Paris who died today in the line of duty.

"Deputy Sheriff Robert Paris died tragically today while serving an eviction notice in Modesto. His loss is a reminder of the sacrifice law enforcement officers across the state make to keep California safe. A 16-year veteran of the force, Deputy Sheriff Paris was a beloved peace officer. I send my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.'

SAN FRANCISCO – California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today issued the following statement on the passing of John Payton:

“The tragic passing of John Payton is a loss not just for his home state of California, but for every American. His work as a civil rights lawyer and president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund helped to create a more just nation and inspired a generation to follow his lead.

“We mourn John Payton's departure but we celebrate his achievements. I will personally miss his leadership.”

VALLEJO --- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris expressed her condolences to the family of Officer James Capoot who died today.

“The death of Officer James Capoot in the line of duty is a tragic loss,” Attorney General Harris said. “Like law enforcement officers across California, Officer Capoot committed himself to serving and protecting his community. A fine officer and dedicated family man, his death is a sad reminder of the risk and sacrifice of this noble profession. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Officer Capoot’s family, friends and colleagues in the Vallejo Police Department.”

“California has lost a great leader with the passing of Steve Jobs. His character, intelligence, and creativity changed how the world works and how the world imagines itself. We are forever grateful and inspired by the gift he has given us. I send my thoughts and sympathies to Laurene and the entire Jobs family.”

SAN DIEGO --- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris expressed her condolences to the family of Jeremy Henwood who died early this morning.

"Officer Henwood's death is a tragic loss for San Diego, the state of California and the United States of America,' Attorney General Harris said. 'Law enforcement officers spend their days keeping us safe and Officer Henwood's death in the city of San Diego is a sad reminder of the many risks they take daily. Officer Henwood was not only a brave police officer, but he was actively serving his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. My heart goes out to Officer Henwood's family, friends and his colleagues in San Diego and the U.S. Marine Corps.'

SAN FRANCISCO --- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris issued the following statement on the passing of Richard Chavez:

The California labor movement has lost a great leader. The dedication of Richard Chavez to the farmworkers he advocated for is inspriational. He demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the American labor movement and struggled to amplify the voices of the powerless. My thoughts and best wishes go out to his family, friends, and loved ones, including to my friend Dolores Huerta.

ORANGE COUNTY --- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris expressed her condolences to the family of Daniel Ackerman who died Saturday.

"Officer Ackerman's death is a tragic loss for Buena Park and the state of California,' Attorney General Harris said. 'Law enforcement officers spend their days keeping us safe and Officer Ackerman's death is a sad reminder of the many risks they take daily. My heart goes out to Officer Ackerman's family, friends and his colleagues in Buena Park and the Orange County ProActive Methamphetamine Laboratory Task Force (PROACT).'

Los Angeles --- 'While responding to a report of a robbery, Alhambra Officer Ryan Stringer, age 26, was involved in a tragic accident and later succumbed to his injuries. My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Stringer, his family, his partner and all of his fellow officers at the Alhambra Police Department.'

LOS ANGELES - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris expressed her condolences to the family of Kevin Sandoval, who died Tuesday during a training exercise.

“Officer Sandoval’s death is a tragic loss for South Pasadena and the state of California,” Attorney General Harris said.
“Law enforcement officers spend their days keeping us safe and Officer Sandoval’s death is a sad reminder of the many risks they take every day. My heart goes out to Officer Sandoval's family, friends and his colleagues in South Pasadena.”