Santa Cruz Police mourn one of their own

The Santa Cruz Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Tom Young. Young died of cancer on Sunday January 11.

The following is from the Santa Cruz Police Department:

Thomas Craig Young lost his brave, courageous and valiant battle with cancer on January 11, 2015 at home in Santa Cruz, surrounded by his family.

Tom was born May 12, 1964 in Long Beach, Ca. He grew up in Southern California, where he met and married his wife, Julie. Early on, Tom was dedicated to serving his community. He was a Co-founder of Partners in Recovery, a non-profit mental health and addiction community treatment center, where he worked for 8 years. Tom and Julie moved to Santa Cruz in 1994, and they were blessed with 2 beautiful children. Tom was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church and later became an Elder of the Church. Tom dedicated almost 20 years further serving his community with Santa Cruz Police Department. He was an avid fisherman, a committed Husband and Father, and a leader amongst his peers.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Julie, daughter Danielle and son Dylan, of Santa Cruz, Ca, his mother Betty Young of Laverne, Ca., sister Amy Babik of Pasadena, Ca and twin brother Robert Young of Glendora, Ca.

Services will be held at 11:30 on Saturday January 24, at the UCSC Music Center Recital Hall.

In Honor of Tom, there will be a memorial park bench and plaque in the City of Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome and should be coordinated by clicking: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/santacruzsentinel/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-craig-young&pid=173874443

If you would like to send your condolences to Tom’s family, share your memories, view or post photos or light a candle, please visit:http://www.scmemorial.com