On Monday, September 7, 2020, Fresno County Sheriff’s Homicide Detective Jose Mora, a 20 year veteran, passed away at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.

The 44 year old began his law enforcement career on March 30, 2000 with the Firebaugh Police Department and later joined the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office on July 19, 2004.  During his career, he worked in several different units, including the jail, courts, patrol and as a detective investigating robbery and property crimes.   He was currently working in the Homicide Unit, where he had been assigned the past five years.

In mid-August, Mora and other detectives traveled out of state, following up on a lead in an ongoing homicide investigation.  Shortly after returning home, Mora felt ill.  He was later admitted to a local hospital.  Medical tests revealed he was positive for COVID-19.  Mora spent the next several weeks hospitalized.  Due to health complications, he later passed away.

“Jose was a workhorse.  He was someone our Homicide Unit could always depend on to conduct a thorough investigation and get justice for the victim’s family.  His cheerful attitude and strong work ethic will be greatly missed at our department,” said Homicide Sergeant Jon Alvarado.

Detective Mora leaves behind a wife and four children, who are between the ages of 27 and 17.

This marks the 13th line of duty death since the Sheriff’s Office was established in 1856.