SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement regarding the death of Lemoore Police Officer Elmer Jonathan Diaz:
“Jennifer and I are deeply saddened to learn of Officer Diaz’s death. Officer Diaz selflessly and courageously put himself in harm’s way to protect a woman during a fight and it cost him his life. His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Our deepest condolences are with his loved ones, friends and colleagues as they mourn this loss.”
Officer Diaz, 31, was killed while intervening in a domestic violence incident in the City of Hanford on Sunday, November 3.
Officer Diaz started with the Lemoore Police Department as a reserve officer in 2016 and was hired as an officer in January 2017. He was named the Department’s officer of the year in 2017. He was assigned to the Kings County Major Crimes Task Force at the time of his death.
Officer Diaz is survived by his mother, father, two sons, and a daughter.
In honor of Officer Diaz, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
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