Chowchilla Police Department, California
End of Watch Friday, October 3, 2025
Reflections for Police Officer Ray Barrantes
Dear Chief of Police Jeffrey Palmer:
I hope this reflection finds you well, though I understand it is an incredibly tough time for you, and everyone connected to your department. I am writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences for the loss of Police Officer Ray Barrantes, a brave and dedicated lawman.
The news of Officer Barrantes’s death has deeply saddened me and my entire family. The sacrifice that he made while protecting and serving your community is a testament to the selfless and courageous nature of law enforcement officers like him. We can never truly understand the risks and challenges faced by those in law enforcement, and we are forever indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to keeping us safe.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Barrantes’s family and colleagues during this immensely challenging time. Their loss is immeasurable, and we can only hope that the outpouring of support from the community can offer some comfort in these trying times.
In times like these, we must remember the positive impact Officer Barrantes had on countless lives throughout his life and career. The memories of his dedication, kindness, and professionalism will remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
To you, Chief Palmer, and the entire City of Chowchilla Police Department, my family and I want to express our gratitude for the vital work you do each day, often in the face of danger and adversity. The sacrifice of your fallen colleague serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with your line of duty. Despite the risks, you continue to serve with integrity and unwavering commitment, and for that, we are immensely thankful.
Having served 46+ years as a Law Enforcement Professional, my family stands with you during this time of mourning. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do to support your fallen hero’s family, you, and your department during this difficult period.
May the memories of Police Officer Ray Barrantes be a source of strength and may his legacy inspire others to follow in his footsteps of honor and service. We will forever be indebted to the sacrifice he made to keep us safe.
With deepest sympathy,
Chief (retired) Don P. Jensen Sr. DrE, PGP, PP, PM
October 5, 2025
Thank you Officer Barrantes for your dedicated and selfless service to the people of and visitors to Chowchilla, CA. Your life mattered! Sending prayers of sympathy and condolences to your family, friends and coworkers. May you rest in peace. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God!
Captain (Retired) Mike Culler
Winston-Salem NC Police Department
October 5, 2025
Rest in Peace brother Barrantes. Your time here is done, and you have done well. Thank you for your nearly 2 years faithful service to your community, state, and country.
You are gone, but will never be forgotten in spirit.
Blessings to your family, friends, co-workers and the rest of the public safety family.
Rest easy knowing we got you covered.
The blood of hero's never dies. "Dave Bray"
Jesse Cook, Corporal - Retired
Georgia Dept of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division
October 5, 2025
Rest in peace my brother in blue prayers for you and your family May God rest your soul
SPO TONY GOMEZ
Des Moines IA PD Retired
October 5, 2025
Thank you for your service Officer Ray Barrantes !!!!!
Sergeant David Dufault (Ret)
Hartford Police Dept
October 5, 2025
may HIS light shine perpetual upon his face
Chief Jim Allen (retired)
Mobile County Child Support
October 5, 2025
God Bless you and your family.
Deb Holmes
Chicago PD (retired)
October 5, 2025
Rest in peace, Officer Barrantes. Praying for your loved ones.
Officer C Curione (Retired)
Rochester Police Department, NY
October 5, 2025
Rest, brother.
Sgt. Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police
October 5, 2025
RIP Hero. May you forever spend your eternal life with our dear Lord in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with all your loved ones. Our country is now a little less safe without you. Thank you for your service.
HEROES NEVER DIE....
Sergeant Mitchell G. Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon
October 5, 2025
Prayers & Condolences
Rest in Peace Officer Ray Barrantes
Sgt. Randy Keenan ~ (Retired)
City of Alameda, CA Police Department
October 5, 2025
Rest in Peace my brother.
Captain (Ret.) Bernard Flint
Department of Defense / Police Division
October 5, 2025
Hero never forgotten. Prayers to family blood and blue.
BLR
Retired Texas dispatcher
October 5, 2025
Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice
Cpt Larry Meyers
NYPD
October 5, 2025
Our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Everyone that knew him in his community will be missing a him. God have mercy on his soul. May the angels carry him to the safety of a peaceful and joyful heaven, along with the company of our Lord Jesus Christ.
US NAVY ⚓️ Vet Rafael Martinez
NAVY
October 5, 2025
God bless you Officer Ray Barrantes, for your service and sacrifice. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends, and to your brothers and sisters from the Chowchilla Police Department. Rest in Peace Brother.
Officer Jim Drabos (Retired)
San Gabriel (CA) Police Department
October 5, 2025
Thank you for your service.
Dmytro Goloborodko
October 5, 2025
Rest in peace brother. We have the watch from here. Thoughts and prayers for you, your family and your department.
Officer Tommy Thomason
Security Officer
October 5, 2025
Heavenly Father, You are always faithful and quick to show mercy. Our brother-in-blue, Police Officer Ray Barrantes, of the City of Chowchilla CA Police Department, was suddenly and violently taken from us in a traffic collision in the line-of-duty. Come swiftly to his aid, have mercy on him, and comfort his family, friends, and comrades by the power and protection of the cross. I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. By His mighty and holy Name, and by His Authority and His Sacrificial Blood, I pray. Amen.
Please find Support, Comfort, and Hope from the following Scripture Verses taken from the NLT FCPO Edition of the Holy Bible:
"God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9);
"Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." (Psalm 23:4);
"God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6), and;
"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4).
Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv., MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained, Independent Christian Outreach Police Chaplain
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA
"Ministering to the Law Enforcement Community"
Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)
October 5, 2025
God rest your soul, Officer Ray Barrantes. May your family, friends, colleagues, and community find the strength and resolve to carry on in your physical absence and continue to spread the goodness to which you were so selflessly committed. You were among the best humanity has to offer. Your dedication to service and your ultimate sacrifice shall not be forgotten.
Investigator Christopher Port (Ret.)
California Highway Patrol, Valley Div. MAIT
October 5, 2025
Rest in Peace!
Ptl. B L Waltz (Ret)
Avon Lake PD OH (Ret)
October 5, 2025