FRESNO (KMJ) — A Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputy, killed after an accidental shooting last month, has been laid to rest.
Those who knew the late Sergeant Rod Lucas paid their respects to the man described as a “superhero” inside Fresno’s Peoples Church Wednesday morning.
“There’s a quote on the National Police Officers Memorial in Washington D.C.,” began Sheriff Margaret Mims. “The quote is from Proverbs and it says ‘the wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.’
“Rod Lucas lived and served with a heart full of that lion’s bold courage and a soul brimming with a desire to serve the public. Volunteering in his church, and being involved in coaching youth sports. Rod made us all proud, and set the example for us all.”
He died after an accidental shooting on October 31st, when a Sheriff’s Detective and Sergeant Lucas were discussing their equipment and back-up firearms. That resulted in a round being fired, causing an injury which proved fatal to Sergeant Lucas. He was pronounced dead later that day.
“Sergeant Rod Lucas was on his way to legendary status within our department,” described Sergeant Patrick Hansen.
“As we all know he was a gifted athlete. He was like having your own superhero as a partner. Like having your own G.I. Joe with Kung-Fu Grip and his skill set from wrestling, football, and boxing fit quite well with the job.”
After the funeral in Fresno, he was taken to Kings County to be buried at Lemoore District Cemetery.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
