OAKLEY, CA – The California Department of Transportation Saturday unveiled signs that designate a portion of State Route 4 between Brentwood and Oakley as the “Hayward Police Sergeant Scott Paul Lunger Memorial Highway.” The designation was authorized by Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 49, authored by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Discovery Bay) in 2017.
“Sergeant Lunger was an exemplary peace officer who served with distinction and honor,” Frazier said. “His loss had a devastating impact on his families, his local community and the entire East Bay law enforcement community. Fortunately, the Legislature has a process that allows us to remember him by designating a portion of the state highway in his community to carry his name and legacy forward.”
ACR 49 dedicates the section of Highway 4 from Balfour Road to Laurel Road in memory of Sgt. Lunger, a Brentwood resident who was shot and killed in the line of duty while serving with the Hayward Police Department in 2015.
Sgt. Scott Paul Lunger conducted a traffic stop with the assistance of a second unit in Hayward on July 22, 2015. As Lunger and the officer approached the vehicle, an occupant in the vehicle opened fire, striking and killing Sgt. Lunger. The officer with Lunger returned fire as the vehicle fled. The vehicle was found abandoned a short time later and the suspect, who was wounded, was taken into custody.
Sgt. Lunger was born in Hayward and raised in Dublin. He graduated from Dublin High and continued his studies, playing football at both Diablo Valley College and Chico State University. He followed in the footsteps of his father and brother by completing the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 595’s apprenticeship program and worked his way up to general foreman to become a partner in the family’s electrical business.
Photo: Mike Vitalie, Sergeant Lunger brother Mike Lunger Fiance Jennifer Lee and her sons Trevor and Ethan Lee
In 2000, Lunger fulfilled a longtime desire to serve in law enforcement when he was hired by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department. Following his graduation from the 109th Alameda County Sheriff’s Department Class of 2000, Lunger accepted a position with the Hayward Police Department in May 2001.
He had found his true calling as a police officer, where he served in many capacities including: Special Duty, the Gang Task Force, SWAT and as a Field Training Officer.
“This highway memorial sign serves as a constant reminder of Sergeant Lunger’s ultimate sacrifice and our great appreciation for our dedicated and brave men and women who serve to protect our communities,” Frazier said.
The Brentwood Police Activities League raised funds to pay for the signage and worked with Caltrans to have them installed. By law, state funds cannot be used to pay for and install memorial signs. All the funds must be raised privately.
Those participating today’s unveiling included Hayward Police Sgt. Brian Maloney and the Hayward Police Department Honor Guard presenting the colors. Christine Hillenbrand, a friend of Sgt. Lunger, sang the national anthem. Hayward Police Chaplain Sue Kuipers recited the invocation. Sgt. Lunger’s father, Paul, and his brother, Mike, spoke at the unveiling, along with Assemblymember Frazier, Hayward Police Capt. Will Deplitch and Lunger’s fiancée, Jennifer Lee.
Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.
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Out of respect.
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