CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The Texas Roadhouse in Citrus Heights held a successful “End of Watch” fundraiser for Elk Grove police officer Ty Lenehan on February 2 and February 3, 2022. Lenehan, an Elk Grove police officer, was killed by a drunk driver going the wrong way on Highway 99 on January 21. He was on his motorcycle on his way to work when he was hit and killed. He had been with the Elk Grove Police Department for six years. He first worked for the Citrus Heights Police Department (CHPD) from 12/10/2012 to 6/28/2014, then the Galt Police Department for two years before joining the Elk Grove Police Department in 2016.

Staff at the Texas Roadhouse in Citrus Heights worked nonstop for two nights cooking 423 meals for take-out and dine in. Parking was hard to find and waiting area and dining rooms were packed from 3 to 10 p.m. both nights.

On Wednesday, 258 meals were served and on Thursday 165 meals were ordered for take-out or dine-in.  By closing the second night, $3,000 had been raised from the 20% donated by the restaurant from the meals sold, a raffle basket provided by the CHPD and other donations. Many of those ordering were officers from surrounding police departments, Sacramento County Sheriff and California Highway Patrol.

Co-manager of the Texas Roadhouse Espinosa-Lask said they were honored to be able to provide support to the family during these trying times. Texas Roadhouse is known for supporting their community by doing outreach to the community such as donating 35 meals to Sayonara Youth Center for their fundraiser for foster children, meals to the fire department and other first responders and doing fundraisers to support local youth groups.

An email from Lt. Chad Morris described Lenehan’s connection to Citrus Heights and his professional path:  “After completing his service in the Air Force, Ty had the option of continuing on as an electrician and taking over the family business, or to follow his dream of being a police officer.  He decided on the latter and never looked back.  After putting himself through the police academy and graduating, Ty became part of our CHPD family, starting his law enforcement career here as a Reserve Officer. This was his first position working in the law enforcement profession. Officer Lenehan served as a Reserve Police Officer with the Citrus Heights Police Department from 12/10/2012 - 06/28/2014.  During this time a full-time police officer position opened with the Galt Police Department and he took advantage of that opportunity.”

Citrus Heights Police Chief Alex Turcotte said in an email, “Ty was a valued member of our CHPD family who easily made many long-lasting friendships. He is fondly remembered for his contagious smile, strong work ethic, and being a genuine human being that loved to keep people laughing. His CHPD badge, #39, has been officially retired in his honor. Our Citrus Heights Community will never forget our friend and hero, Officer Lenehan.”

Officer Lenehan’s Celebration of Life was held with full honors on February 1st at Bayside Church Adventure Campus in Roseville. It can be viewed online on the KCRA website.