The flags at California State University, Fresno were lowered to half-staff Friday, Feb. 26, in memory of two law enforcement officers with ties to the university who were fatally wounded in the line of duty this week.

The two are Reedley Police Officer Javier Bejar, 28, and Fresno County Sheriff’s Detective Joel Wahlenmaier, 49.

Officer Bejar graduated with high honors in May 2008 from Fresno State with a major in kinesiology. He was a Marine Corps veteran of service in Kuwait and had been with the Reedley force two years.

Detective Wahlenmaier took a course through Fresno State’s Extended Education program in fall 2002.

Detective Wahlenmaier and fellow Deputy Mark Harris were attempting to serve a warrant, when the person inside a mobile home began shooting, fatally wounding the detective and wounding Harris, who was treated and released a few hours later. Officer Bejar was among law enforcement officers assisting following the attack.

University President John D. Welty, who ordered Fresno State flags lowered for a week, said, “This is a tragedy we share with our entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave men, and we are reminded again of the price all law enforcement personnel are willing to pay in service to the safety of all members of our community.”