In Memory of Deputy Sheriff II Frank Gonzalez Holguin, III

Tulare County, California Deputy Dies

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, Deputy Sheriff Frank Gonzalez Holguin, III, of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, passed away due to complications from contracting COVID19 while on duty. Holguin had served his community for more than 20 years. He was 56 years old.

COVID19 has taken the lives of hundreds of law enforcement officers. At the beginning of the pandemic, we realized that some occupations put workers at much greater risk than others. Some jobs with the highest risk of infection were first responders, law enforcement, and essential workers. Since the start of the pandemic, we have lost hundreds of thousands of Americans, and the numbers worldwide are tragically countless.

Holguin was hired in 2000 as a deputy with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. His first assignment was at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility. During his career, he also worked at the Adult Pre-Trial Facility, the Men’s Correctional Facility, in Orosi, Tulare, and Pixley, in the courts and Family Support Security.

Tulare County Sheriff’s Office

Holguin gave more than 20 years of service to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. Located in Visalia, California, the TCSO has been protecting California residents since 1852. According to the sheriff’s website, since the initiation of the TCSO, it “has worked in partnership with the community to improve quality of life through professionalism, excellence, and trust.”

The TCSO handles court protection, county jail management, patrols, and investigations for all the county’s unincorporated areas. Some small towns contract their law enforcement services from the sheriff’s department.

Deputies patrol an area that covers nearly 4,850 square miles. Fourteen square miles of this is water, so having a marine patrol unit is essential. The sheriff’s office serves approximately 470,000 people.

Remembrances

With so many law enforcement officers losing their lives to the virus, this means that there are hundreds of families left behind that need additional support to help them go on with their lives. Wives who depended on their husbands for support, children who need the leadership of both parents to get through life, and more – will now rely on their communities for support.

Deputy Sheriff Frank Gonzalez Holguin, III, leaves behind his wife, two children, and granddaughter. Local law enforcement will come together to escort Holquin to his final resting place with honor. It will take the support of extended family, neighbors, and friends to see the Holguin family through the years ahead.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office posted their grief and information on the loss of Deputy Holguin on their Facebook page. “All of us at the Sheriff’s Office are heartbroken over the loss of Deputy Holguin. We ask that you join us in sending your thoughts and prayers to his family and all of those who loved him.”

Clovis Police Department shared the news of the loss of Holguin with their residents and followers on Facebook. “Our Central Valley has lost another hero. Deputy Frank Holguin with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office passed away due to COVID-19. Take a moment to honor and remember Deputy Holguin.”

California Highway Patrol Commissioner Amanda Ray shared her condolences with the Holguin family and a brief statement on Twitter. “The CHP extends its condolences as the family, friends, and @TulareSheriff mourn the loss of Deputy Frank Holguin. With more than 20 years of dedicated public service to the Central Valley community, he will truly be missed.”