Javier Bejar went to high school here. On Sunday, hundreds gathered to remember the first Reedley officer to ever die in the line of duty.
Police chief, Steve Wright addressed Sunday's crowd, which included Bejar's family. He called Bejar a brave and honorable man. "He started out every day with a passion and compassion to serve a community and a country that he loved so much."
Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says Bejar died a hero. "Javier was a peace maker and a public servant and he understood his role so very very much."
At just 28-years old, Bejar already had a distinguished career.
The former Marine served tours in Iraq and Kuwait, and was once named Reedley's officer of the year.
Rosalinda Hernandez went to high school with Bejar, and some of her family members worked with him at the Reedley police department. She says he made the community proud. "Anytime there were any problems, he was willing to go and help. Even if it was a bad situation, he always had a smile on his face."
On Monday, Bejar will be laid to rest.
As his co-workers and loved-ones mourn his loss, they're trying to honor his legacy by moving forward, and building a better community. "Although we will never get over this, we will get through this and we will get better."
Monday's service starts at ten o'clock. Bejar will be buried at the Reedley cemetery.
