OFFICER DOWN FRESNO
Deputy Sheriff Joel Wahlenmaier
Fresno County Sheriff’s Department
California
End of Watch: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Biographical Info
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available
Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Deceased
Deputy Joel Wahlenmaier was shot and killed as he and another deputy assisted officers from the California Fire Marshals 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. A responding officer from the Reedley Police Department was also shot and critically wounded.
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 Department for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, and parents.
Agency Contact Information
Fresno County Sheriff’s Department
PO Box 1788
2200 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93717
Phone: (559) 488-3121
