TRAFFIC ADVISORY: CHP services at Save Mart Center Feb. 24

The flags at Fresno State were lowered to half-staff today in memory of two California Highway Patrol officers, one an alumnus, who died in the line of duty yesterday.

Juan-Gonzalez

Juan Gonzalez

University President Joseph I. Castro expressed his condolences for the family and friends of CHP officers Juan Gonzalez, 33, and Brian Law, 34, who died Monday while responding to a car accident on Highway 99 in Kingsburg. Officer Gonzalez graduated from Fresno State in 2004 with a bachelor of science in Criminology.

“We are very saddened by this tragedy and the loss of these dedicated professionals whose calling was to serve and protect the community,” said Castro. “On behalf of the university community, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Officers Gonzalez and Law.”

While at Fresno State, Gonzalez was a member of the Nu Alpha Kappa (NAK) fraternity and volunteered with the organization at the Latino Commencement Celebration for many years, said Dr. Luz Gonzalez (no relation), dean of the College of Social Science and adviser for NAK.

“Words cannot describe the sense of loss that his NAK brothers and I feel,” the dean said. “Juan’s dream was to be a California Highway Patrol Officer and he let us all know that he was willing to work hard to accomplish his goal.

She said he was a steady presence as a volunteer at the Latino Commencement Celebration because he wanted to make sure others, and their families, could  enjoy the milestone of college graduation celebration.

“Officer Gonzalez  and his partner Officer Law are role models for our entire community,” Dean Gonzalez said. “Their families are in our thoughts and prayers.”

The Fresno State Police Department will display traditional black mourning bands on badges as part of law enforcement’s  symbol of respect for officers lost in the line of duty.

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