GALT, CA (MPG) - A large crowd gathered at Galt Community Park on the evening of Oct. 14 to mourn the loss of Officer Raymond Barrantes, a devoted father, beloved son, friend and police officer.

 

Pictured is Officer Raymond Barrantes. Photo courtesy of the Peace Officers Relief & Education Foundation

Barrantes was serving with the Chowchilla Police Department when he died in an on-duty crash on Oct. 3. He was raising his three children in Galt, where they still attend local schools. Members of the Junior Hawks football team attended the vigil in support, as Barrantes’ son plays for the team.

Galt Police Chief Brian Kalinowski spoke on behalf of the department, offering words of comfort and acknowledging Barrantes’ service and character.

“Raymond wore several badges with pride,” Kalinowski said, adding that Barrantes served with the Mendota, Woodlake and West Sacramento police departments, and most recently with the Chowchilla Police Department.

Galt Police Chief Brian Kalinowski speaks to fallen Officer Raymond Barrantes’ children and their friends during the candle vigil on Oct. 14. Photo by Idaly Valencia

“He served each one of those organizations with pride and dignity as he did a great service to each of those communities,” Kalinowski said.

Kalinowski noted that Barrantes earned numerous awards and recognitions, including Officer of the Year and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award, as well as multiple certificates in tactical narcotics and gang operations.

“Beyond the badge, Raymond was a great father. He was proud of his family and he talked about them often… tonight as we stand together with candles in hand, we remember not only an outstanding officer but more importantly a man who made this community better,” Kalinowski said.

Barrantes’ best friend, Adan Mendez, also shared memories of their decades-long friendship.

The two met as children and eventually decided to make Galt their home as adults and raise their children here. When Barrantes was hired by the West Sacramento Police Department, Mendez recalled, Barrantes asked for advice on where to live. Mendez suggested Galt because it reminded them of their hometown, Dos Palos.

 

Officer Raymond Barrantes best friend Adan Mendez gives a speech at the candle vigil at Galt Community Park on Oct. 14. Photo by Idaly Valencia

“The city of Galt has been home to us for a couple of years now and we are truly thankful for the support,” Mendez said. “We want our kids to grow in this community and you all being here truly shows how fortunate we are to be part of this community.”

Mendez shared that Barrantes later asked him to be the godfather of his youngest daughter, strengthening their bond and leading them to refer to each other as “compa,” a term of endearment in Hispanic culture for a close friend considered family.

The two often supported each other’s families, attending their children’s games and helping with school events.

 

Pictured is the setting before the candle vigil ceremony in honor of fallen Officer Raymond Barrantes, a table with candles and a custom cross with sign made in his memory. 

“I met Raymond when we were just five years old, or as he would like to say, since we were in ‘chonies (underwear),’” Mendez said. “There was never a dull moment when my compa was around. He was always happy and he never liked to see anybody sad. He will be truly missed by the family, friends and the loved ones in this community.”

Donations to support the Barrantes family can be made through the Peace Officers Relief & Education Foundation’s “Fund A Hero” campaign for Officer Raymond Barrantes online at porac.org/fundraiser/officer_barrantes.