MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Flowers were left at the front door of the Chowchilla Police Department as flags were lowered to half-staff on Saturday to remember fallen Officer Raymond Barrantes.
Authorities say the officer was driving eastbound on Highway 152 when he crashed into the right side of a big rig truck that was crossing on Road 13.
The California Highway Patrol, which is investigating the crash, offered condolences immediately after the collision.
“The Chowchilla police department, CHP and law enforcement family is in pain right now. It’s a very tragic accident and it’s a reminder that officers put their lives on the line to serve the community.” said CHP spokesman, Sergio Moreno.
Authorities said Officer Barrantes was on his routine patrol when he collided with the truck.
On Saturday, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office took over calls for Chowchilla Police.
“You put your officers out there to go do a job and these are those calls and stuff and things that happen that you don’t ever wanna get,” said Chowchilla Police Chief Jeff Palmer.
Officer Barrantes was from Dos Palos, starting his career with the Mendota Police Department before moving on to West Sacramento.
Shortly after, he took a job with the Chowchilla police department. He joined the community and deciding to raise his three kids there, two girls and a boy. He also opened up a t-shirt business, On Point Apparel.
Chief Palmer said Barrantes was a hard-working man who loved his community.
“I know he had a really strong relationship with some of our younger officers and mentoring them. And he just brought a maturity to us and that experience. It’s going to be greatly missed,” said Chief Palmer.
This is the first time an officer died in the line of duty with the Chowchilla Police Department.
In the Officers honor, Governor Newsom has also ordered all state flags to half-staff through next weekend.
