Heavy hearts join together for memorial at Tranquillity High for fallen Fresno County deputy

TRANQUILLITY, Calif. (KFSN) -- On the football field at Tranquillity High School friends and family members stood at the 46-yard line, standing shoulder to shoulder, remembering the life of 46-year-old Fresno County Sheriff's deputy Sergeant Rod Lucas.

"Rod was a guy that everybody looked up to," said Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.,

It is the same field Michael Martinez played high school football on with the veteran deputy. Being back Thursday night, though, without him was difficult. So difficult it was tough for him to describe how he was feeling.

"Sometimes people get sick and you get warnings, but this-- there wasn't a warning."

Lucas died Monday when a coworker's gun accidentally fired, hitting him in the chest.

"He was kind of like a second son to me, but he'll be missed. I know he's in a good place," said Glenn Chaffin, Tranquillity.

Some who attended Thursday's memorial wore decorated shirts in his honor.

Then after a moment of silence, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office helicopter flew over the stadium. Flashing its light on those mourning the loss of Lucas-- an emotional farewell.

People released balloons in his honor while chanting the name of the fallen deputy.

We were told Lucas' family was there, but they asked that we respect their privacy during this difficult time.

His funeral service is planned for next Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the People's Church in Fresno.