Lemoore honors a fallen police officer. City officials announce funeral plans

Thursday, November 7, 2019 - 11:36am By The Leader Staff

The Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department displayed its American flag across Cinnamon Avenue as local law enforcement agencies escorted slain Officer Jonathan Diaz's hearse through Lemoore Wednesday afternoon.

The City of Lemoore, its citizens, and the law enforcement community began its long goodbye to Lemoore Police Officer Jonathan Diaz, who died tragically on Nov. 2 as he attempted to quell a domestic violence episode in Hanford.

On Wednesday, city officials released details for the young officer’s funeral, scheduled for Friday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. at Lemoore’s St. Peter’s Church. Burial will be held in Lemoore’s Sunflower Field’s Cemetery, located at 9660 18th Avenue in Lemoore.

Lemoore’s long goodbye began Wednesday afternoon when the young officer’s hearse, escorted by Lemoore patrol units and a large convoy of law enforcement vehicles from throughout the Valley, drove through Lemoore via Cinnamon Avenue, passing the Lemoore Police Department and the city’s municipal offices.

In a remarkable display of respect, the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department stretched its ceremonial flag across the expanse of Cinnamon, needing two of its large trucks to accomplish the fete.

On Thursday morning, Lemoore City Manager Nathan Olson announced that – in light of recent events – Lemoore’s interim chief of police, Michael Kendall, has been sworn in as the city’s permanent chief. “Effective immediately, he will assume all responsibilities of the department,” stated Olson in a press release.

Lemoore honors a fallen police officer. City officials announce funeral plans

Former chief Darrel Smith technically was on leave until his official retirement date in December. Smith approached Olson and suggested that Kendall “assume the rank and role as chief.” According to the Thursday press release, Smith offered to step away in his capacity as chief to “afford transition of leadership needed during this heartbreaking time.”

Olson said that Smith’s offer was a “truly selfless act of a great leader and puts an exclamation point on a very successful 30-year career. The circumstances surrounding the transfer of leadership goes to show the character of both men and their desire to put the needs of the department and the citizens of Lemoore first.”

According to the city’s release, the following events surrounding the funeral services for Diaz will occur beginning Nov. 14:

Public Viewing

Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church

870 N. Lemoore Avenue, Lemoore, CA 93245

Vigil Service

Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 7:00 p.m.

Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church

870 N. Lemoore Avenue, Lemoore, CA 93245

Funeral Mass

Friday, November 15, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.

Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church