REEDLEY (KMJ) — Officers with Reedley Police, were joined by law enforcement from across the state Friday morning, to honor the memory of one of their own killed in the line of duty.
It was February 25th 2010 when Officer Javier Bejar was shot as he was assisting Fresno County Sheriff’s Office serve a search warrant. He later succumbed to those injuries. Deputy Joel Wahlenmaier was also shot and killed during the incident.
“Those two officers made the ultimate sacrifice on that day,” Chief Joe Garza told the crowd.
They congregated outside Reedley Police Department, to see the flag outside lowered to half staff. The U.S. flag was followed by the California state flag, and the U.S. Marine Corps flag – to recognize Officer Bejar’s military service.
“We should not just live in the somber, in the regret, that we lost Javier. We should enjoy the fact that we know he’s in a greater place today. He is up patrolling the streets of heaven,” said Chief Garza.
He told the people gathered outside that those in law enforcement protect those they don’t even know.
“Daily we can walk through the police department, we can see different things that remind us of Javier. But the true person that Javier is – is in our heart – and that is one thing we will never do – is we will never forget.
“That is a promise that I made, that is a promise that we made to the family.”
Officer Bejar’s sister, Maricela Bejar-Chavez addressed the crowd, to express her thanks to everyone present.
“A lot of us are wearing this shirt, and on the back of this shirt – as Chief said – it says ‘we will never forget’. So this morning I just want to say thank you for honoring that promise, and thank you for honoring the life of Javier and honoring his memory.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
