‘Feels very unreal’: Sister of fallen Chowchilla officer describes family’s pain in wake of death

CHOWCHILLA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – It’s been nearly a week since the Chowchilla Police Department lost Officer Raymond Barrantes.

Barrantes was killed in a car crash involving a semi-truck in Madera County on Road 13 and State Route 152 Friday night. 

On Thursday, a somber candlelight vigil was held outside the police department to honor his life and grieve his death. Barrantes leaves behind a loving family, including his mother, brother, sister, children, and stepchildren. 

“I just know, you know, Raymond I know is looking down on us and is just extremely thankful and so happy and smiling at this turnout,” his sister Irene Lelandais said following the vigil. 

Lelandais said last week’s news completely devastated their entire family. 

“I’m okay. You know, it’s hard. It still feels very unreal, and I just feel like it’s been a week that we haven’t talked, and he’s going to call me,” she said.  

The vigil focused on who Barrantes was as an officer and as a person. Lelandais said being an officer was a huge part of his life, as he worked in law enforcement across multiple agencies since he was 20. Tears flowed from many at the vigil as a special song that was made just for Barrantes played through the speakers. 

But the most important part of his life was being a father.

“I just pray that he continues to watch over them. I know he will. And he’ll keep them safe,” his sister said. 

The vigil even touched the hearts of fellow law enforcement officers across departments. Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue said his department is happy to help Chowchilla with anything they may need as they process Barrantes’ death. 

“It was really touching, especially when you see all those flames lifted in the air, all those hearts just here with the family. It’s really touching to see that community come together and be here with our Chowchilla Police Department,” Pogue said. 

The funeral for Officer Barrantes will take place in Chowchilla on Oct. 16.