Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr. grew up in Reedley, California as a proud son to farmworkers who dreamed of becoming a police officer. He took the initiative to pursue his education. Gonzalo served as a police explorer in his hometown, attended the police academy, and went on to serve as a non-paid reserve officer for the Selma Police Department for two years. Gonzalo was lauded for working on his own dime, not receiving a paycheck, while awaiting a paid position on the police force. During that time, he also worked in the fields helping to support his family. That’s the kind of dedication he exhibited – to his loved ones and to the policing profession. Gonzalo fulfilled his longtime dream when he became a sworn officer with Selma P.D. in 2021. Officer Carrasco was well-loved and respected by his department.

After serving with Selma P.D. for just two years, while on patrol one day, he was flagged down by a homeowner claiming there was a suspicious man on her property. When Officer Carrasco began to investigate, the male suspect fired several shots, striking Gonzalo. Investigators say the ambush-style attack didn’t give Gonzalo a moment to defend himself. The suspected gunman was a known gang member and a felon on probation.

Officer Carrasco was transported to a local hospital, where he was taken into surgery. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries. He was only 24 years old and mere days away from becoming a father. Gonzalo was very excited to be a father and was looking forward to starting a family of his own.

The Selma community rallied around Gonzalo’s family and the department after his murder. “Selma lost a member of the family yesterday, the brave police officer who gave his life in the line of duty while working to keep all of us safe,” said Mayor Scott Robertson. “We will never forget the sacrifice of this officer, and our prayers go out to his family and loved ones and to our Police Department, City and Community which is shocked from this sudden and violent taking of a good person whose life was cut short far too soon.”

On the one-year anniversary of Officer Carrasco’s death, he was honored with a memorial monument in front of the Selma Police Department. Gonzalo was a devoted and loving expectant father, son, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his loyalty, laughter, and smile.

Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr. is survived by his mother, Veronica, father, Gonzalo, Sr., sisters, Alma and Paola, and brother, Christopher. Gonzalo’s legacy lives on through the son he never met, Maximus Gonzalo Carrasco. Thank you, Officer Carrasco, for your desire to serve and everything you stood for.

This marks the first line of duty death for the Selma Police Department, which was formed in 1893.

The Fresno County Deputy Sheriff’s Association is supporting the Selma Police Officer’s Association by establishing a memorial fund in which all donations will be given to Officer Carrasco’s family. Please send contributions to:

Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association

C/O Selma POA Memorial Fund

1360 Van Ness Avenue

Fresno, CA 93721