Deputy Sheriff Joel Brian Wahlenmaier, Fresno County Sheriff's Office, California

Deputy Sheriff Joel Brian Wahlenmaier

Fresno County Sheriff's Office, California

End of Watch Thursday, February 25, 2010

Add to My Heroes

Joel Brian Wahlenmaier

Deputy Sheriff Joel Wahlenmaier was shot and killed as he and another deputy assisted officers from the California Fire Marshal's Office serve a warrant on a suspected arsonist in Minkler, California.

As the deputies and officers entered the suspect's mobile home the man opened fire on them, fatally wounding Deputy Wahlenmaier and wounding a second deputy.

Police Officer Javier Bejar, of the Reedley Police Department, responded to the report of an officer down. He was shot and critically wounded during a standoff with the suspect. He died from his wounds four days later.

The suspect was found dead inside the home after a standoff that lasted several hours.

Deputy Wahlenmaier had served with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and parents.

Bio

Age 48
Tour 12 years
Badge 351

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Deceased

warrant service, arson

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 236 Reflections

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 11, 2024