MONKTON — Vermont State Police continue to line up fund-raising activities to provide emotional support to the family of the late Trooper Kyle Young, 28, of Monkton, who died from heatstroke on Sept. 17 while training for the State Police Tactical Team at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho.
Young is survived by two young daughters, Kaydence and Kinley, and his partner, Alyssa Smith. The three continue to cope with their loss, but state police are trying to help lift some of their burden, according to VSP Lt. Michael Manley, commander of the New Haven barracks where Young had been assigned. Manley is also leader of the State Police Tactical Team for which Young was trying out when he collapsed during rigorous training on what was an unusually warm day.
Supporters have established an online GoFundMe site for donations to help Smith and the two children. The site, www.gofundme.com/KyleYoung, was established on Sept. 19 and had generated 266 donations totaling $24,375 as of Tuesday, Oct. 13. The goal is to raise $30,000.
“We remember Kyle as a caring and dedicated father and partner, and honorable Vermont State Trooper, who cared greatly for his family and community,” reads a narrative on the GoFundMe site that is accompanied by a photo showing Young holding his two daughters. “We will never forget.”
Other upcoming events to benefit Young’s family are both scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Collins Perley Sports Complex in St. Albans. They include:
•  A flag football tournament, for emergency responders and military personnel. The games will feature teams of six players who will compete in 30-minute increments on a 50-yard field. Each player will contribute $20, with all the proceeds going to the Young family.
•  A 5K “fun run,” to start at 9 a.m. The run will begin, and end, at the sports complex. Participants will be invited to stick around for an after-party at the 14th Star Brewery and Taproom, featuring live music from Coon Hill John (6-9 p.m.) and a special release of “Trooper Ale” on tap all night. Proceeds from each pint of Trooper Ale will be donated to benefit Trooper Young’s family.
Fortunately, Young’s two daughters will receive survivor benefits, and the late trooper’s partner will also receive help, Manley said.
“We are focusing on everything we can do to take care of his children and his girlfriend, to make sure they have everything they need,” Manley said.
“We are going to make sure we never forget the service that he gave here.”
Trooper Young’s position remains unfilled. The New Haven barracks currently employs nine troopers, three sergeants and Manley.
“Right now, it’s just a vacancy that we are carrying,” Manley said of Young’s position. “In the future, when a new class (of Vermont Police Academy graduates) goes through, we will be considered. We are almost fully staffed, so staff-wise, we are doing OK.”
Meanwhile, Young’s colleagues are themselves still in mourning.
“People are doing the best they can,” Manley said of his staff. “We still have an obligation to do our jobs, and that’s what we are doing. There is kind of a piece of this place that we will never get back.
“It’s a nightmare.”
Reporter John Flowers is at [email protected].