Candlelight vigil held in honor of fallen Parlier police officer

PARLIER, Calif. (KFSN) -- The community came together on Monday to honor a police officer who went beyond his duty of serving students and staff at Parlier High School.

Several dozen people filled up the parking lot of the school in honor of Officer Juan Rodriguez, who passed away in November from health issues.

Parlier Police Chief David Cerda says Officer Rodriguez took the resource officer position at Parlier High School about two years ago.

Once he settled into his role at the high school, he told friends and family that working there was his calling.

"His contributions to the department into this community were just unprecedented," said Chief Cerda.

Chief Cerda offered plaques to Parlier High School and the officer's family.

As the remembrance continued, people shared how the officer impacted their lives with his kindness.

It's that kindness that his sister, Luz Ramirez, hopes the community will remember him for.

"His caring heart, he had a passion to help people. His neighbors, his brothers, his parents, everyone. He just had a passion for life and for helping the community," said Luz.

Parlier Unified Superintendent Rafael Iniguez saw firsthand how influential Officer Rodriguez was at the high school.

He also says that the officer had a lifelong impact on the students and staff at Parlier High.

"He was someone that was about building relationships. Someone who validated our students. Someone who believed in the power that our community has as a whole," said Iniguez.

Officer Rodriguez leaves behind two teenage boys.

He will be laid to rest this Friday in Orosi.

His family is welcoming everyone from the public to attend.

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