Flag to be lowered to half staff in Reedley

REEDLEY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Reedley Police Department’s flag will be lowered to half-staff for almost a week starting next Tuesday. Police say it’s in honor of a fellow officer killed in the line of duty.

On Feb. 25, 2010, Reedley Police Officer Javier Beja responded to a call of an officer down in Minkler. On scene, Fresno County Sheriff Deputy Joel Wahlenmaier was suffering from a gunshot wound. Bejar was shot while attempting to rescue him.

According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, Ricky Liles, killed himself during the shootout.

To honor Bejar’s bravery and service, flags at the Reedley Police Department will be lowered to half-staff on Feb. 25 at 9 a.m. They will remain at half-staff until March 1, the day when Bejar was taken off life support.

Bejar served with the U.S. Marine Corps and was a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom; he served with the Reedley Police Department for five years. 

Wahlenmaier was a graduate of Fresno State and served Fresno County as a deputy for 12 years.