33-year-old Randy Villalobos was on his way home from work, officials say, when he collided with a pickup truck near the intersection of West and Princeton Avenues at about 6 am.
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Paramedics tried to revive Villalobos before taking him to Community Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Collision reconstruction unit had the roadway shutdown for nearly 6 hours as they worked to piece together the investigation.
Villalobos was known for being an exemplary officer, keen on sharing his knowledge with his peers.
He is survived by his mother, father, fiancée and son.
Fresno County Sheriff's correctional officer Eulalio Gomez described his fallen comrade as a dedicated correctional officer, a loyal friend but most importantly, a family man.
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Gomez said the sheriff's office is mourning the life taken too soon. "When you worked around him you felt safer," he added.
Villalobos had been with the sheriff's office since 2013, but his legacy will span a lifetime.
Gomez said, "We want to make sure the family is supported, especially his 15 year-old son. I want him to know we're there for him. All 550 correctional officers, 1,200 members are going to be there for him."
During his almost 8-year career he worked in all three jail facilities and local hospitals. Many of his colleagues said he led by example, making him an asset to not only the sheriff's office but the entire community.
"This tragic event reminds us to be good to each other, to stand strong, and to always hold each other up," said Gomez.