Around 9 p.m. Tuesday, a supervisor in a Clovis Fire Department Ford F250 was headed south on Clovis Avenue to an emergency call.
[Ads /]
Investigators say just before he reached Barstow Avenue, he hit a man who was in the road.
"All indications were that Clovis Fire Department was following all rules and regulations, responding to that emergency, vehicle with lights and sirens full activated," California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Salas said.
The supervisor pulled over and started first aid, but 62-year-old Melchor Mendoza of Clovis died at the scene.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) was called in to take over the investigation for Clovis police.
Authorities say Mendoza and a woman had just left a nearby mini-mart.
They were both walking toward Clovis Avenue and were about 200 feet from a crosswalk.
"The female pedestrian stopped after hearing and seeing the emergency vehicle approach. Unfortunately, that male pedestrian did not." Salas said.
[Ads /]
Investigators believe Mendoza may have been under the influence of alcohol, but are still waiting for a toxicology report.
The name of the Clovis Fire Department supervisor has not been released.
The CHP says it's a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved.
"It's just a bad accident, a tragic accident. I know our hearts go out to that family involved as well as the Clovis Fire Department." Salas said.
The CHP is reminding people to use crosswalks when they're available and, keep in mind, if you're in a crosswalk, you still need to yield to emergency vehicles.