Officer Ray Barrantes Obituary, Death – Authorities in Chowchilla, California, are mourning the loss of a police officer who died in an on-duty traffic collision on Highway 152. Officer Ray Barrantes was involved in a collision with a semi-truck while driving eastbound near Road 13, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The CHP is leading the investigation into the incident and expressed condolences to Barrantes’ family, friends, and colleagues. “It’s a very tragic accident and a reminder that officers put their lives on the line to serve the community,” said CHP spokesperson Sergio Moreno, highlighting the dangers law enforcement personnel face while performing their duties.
Following the accident, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office temporarily assumed responsibility for calls in the Chowchilla area to allow the local department to focus on mourning and administrative needs. Chowchilla Police Chief Jeff Palmer described the loss as devastating. “These are the calls you never want to get,” he said, reflecting on the emotional impact on the department and the community.
Barrantes, originally from Dos Palos, had a longstanding career in law enforcement. He began his service with the Mendota Police Department, later worked in West Sacramento, and eventually joined Chowchilla Police Department. He resided in Chowchilla with his three children and was also the owner of a small business, On Point Apparel, contributing to the local community both professionally and personally.
Chief Palmer emphasized that Barrantes was not only a dedicated officer but also a mentor to younger members of the department. “I know he had a really strong relationship with some of our younger officers and mentoring them. And he just brought a maturity to us and that experience. It’s going to be greatly missed,” Palmer said. His guidance and professional example were seen as an important part of the department’s culture and development.
In honor of Barrantes, flowers were placed outside the Chowchilla Police Department, and flags were lowered to half-staff, marking the respect and recognition for his service. His death represents the first line-of-duty fatality in the history of the Chowchilla Police Department, underscoring the profound loss to the local law enforcement community.
Community members and colleagues remembered Barrantes for his dedication, professionalism, and the balance he brought between his responsibilities as an officer and his commitment to family and business. Tributes highlighted his role in fostering teamwork and his willingness to support fellow officers in challenging situations.
Authorities have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve and emphasized that the investigation into the collision remains ongoing. The CHP is working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, including roadway conditions and other factors that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
The loss has sparked an outpouring of support from local residents, law enforcement agencies across California, and community organizations. Many have shared messages of sympathy and solidarity, emphasizing the risks officers face every day to keep communities safe.
Officer Barrantes’ dedication to public service, mentorship, and community involvement leaves a lasting impact on both the Chowchilla Police Department and the community he served. His death serves as a somber reminder of the dangers law enforcement personnel encounter while performing their duties, and the high regard in which he was held is evident in the tributes and honors paid in his memory.
The department and community continue to mourn his passing, while law enforcement agencies coordinate ongoing efforts to investigate the incident fully and ensure safety measures are observed on local roadways. Officer Barrantes will be remembered for his commitment, professionalism, and the positive influence he had on colleagues and community members alike.
