Crime & Safety

Motorcycle Officer Remembered for 'Big Heart,' 'Infectious Smile'

Thousands attended the funeral service Friday for Officer Chris Yung, who died in the line of duty early this week.

After tearful goodbyes Friday morning, thousands of onlookers watched as Honor Guards marched by the Hylton Memorial Chapel, a bagpiper played "Taps" and United States Marines fired their guns. Then, Prince William County bid a final farewell to an officer who by all accounts, was one of its finest. 

Countless officers and firefighters from jurisdictions all over Virginia raised their hands in a salute as a dispatch operator's voice sounded over the speakers: "Prince William calling motor 4887. This is the final call for motor 4887. Officer Chris Yung, end of watch, December 31, 2012. May you rest in peace. Prince William clear. 1202."

Officer Chris Yung was officially cleared from duty. 

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Yung, 35, died Dec. 31 in the line of duty as he drove his motorcycle to a traffic accident. Authorities said that he was driving through a green light on Nokesville Road in Bristow, with his sirens and lights on, when a 2001 Dodge Caravan crossed into his path. The investigation into the accident continues. 

Photos: A Final Farewell for Officer Chris Yung

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At the funeral Friday, Yung's family and friends spoke of "a special person with a big heart," a "gentleman-like attitude" and "big smile." Yung was known for his attention to detail, and always kept his motorcycle polished. 

"He always strived to represent the department in an honorable way," Acting Prince William County Police Chief Barry Barnard told those present. 

After serving in the Marine Corps, Yung, a veteran of the war in Iraq, moved on to the Prince William County Police Department. Not long afterward, his wife, Robin, and his brother Dale also joined the department. Chris Yung quickly impressed his superiors as someone who would go the extra mile to help, said Barnard.

"A few years ago we received a message of thanks from a woman who had been in distress with her disabled vehicle off a very busy road. Off duty, Chris stopped and helped the woman," Barnard said. "Not only that, but the road was so busy, he had to go past the vehicle, turn around and return to provide her and her daughter assistance."

That kind of attitude was not lost on his friends and family. 

"He was a friend to all," said Dale Yung, through tears. "He was more than a brother. He was my role model. He was the reason I became a police officer."

Video: Funeral Procession for Chris Yung

The funeral followed several difficult days for Prince William County officers. Yung's line-of-duty death is only the third in the department's history. 

"To the Prince William County community, continue to support your first responders. Continue to pray for your first responders. Always remember Chris Yung and his sacrifice. I know we will," Barnard said. 

After the funeral service, a Marine presented military honors to Yung's widow. She was then escorted to a car with their three young children. A police vehicle pulled a trailer that held an empty motorcycle. Hundreds of cars and motorcycles followed in a long, winding procession line that continued across the county. 

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Law Enforcement United, P.O. Box 36, Lightfoot, VA 23090.  


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