Tulare County Lowers Flags in Honor of Fallen Fresno County Officer

Tulare County officials ordered flags to be lowered at all County facilities Friday morning in honor and out of respect for fallen Fresno County Sheriff's Deputy Joel Wahlenmaier, 49, who died in the line of duty as a result of a shooting incident that occurred in Minkler Thursday, and to honor Reedley Police Officer Javier Bajar, who remains on life support.

"We share the sorrow of our friends in law enforcement in Fresno County and the City of Reedley," said Steve Worthley, Chairman of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. "This is a terrible tragedy that affects our whole region. Our thoughts today are with the families of the fallen officer, and with the families of the others that were injured in the line of duty while protecting us all."

Chairman Worthley made the decision to lower flags after consultation with Tulare County Sheriff Bill Wittman. The Tulare County Sheriff's Department continues to offer resources and stands ready to offer assistance necessary as law enforcement officials in Fresno County investigate events related to Thursday's incident in Minkler.

Flags at Tulare County facilities will remain lowered until further notice.