Sacramento, CA…Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ricky Del Fiorentino:

“Anne and I were saddened to learn of the tragic death of Deputy Del Fiorentino today. Deputy Del Fiorentino was killed upholding the oath he swore: To protect his community. We extend our deepest condolences to Deputy Del Fiorentino’s family, friends and coworkers and to the community of Fort Bragg.”

Deputy Del Fiorentino, 48, of Fort Bragg, was shot and killed by a suspect wanted in connection with several earlier crimes.

Del Fiorentino served with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years and previously worked as an officer with the Fort Bragg Police Department for 10 years.

He is survived by his sister, wife and children.

In honor of Deputy Del Fiorentino, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.