The late Exeter police officer Daniel Green, 31, was laid to rest Tuesday, February 17, following a funeral service at the First Assembly of God Church in Visalia filled to capacity with family members, fellow officers, friends and those who just wanted to pay their respect. The funeral procession lined with hundreds of motorcycles and cars including law enforcement officers from all around the state, the Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Riders, made its way from Visalia through the town of Exeter, where Green served in law enforcement for the past 11 years.
Green’s body was found Friday, February 6 in his Goshen home by a fellow police officer, after he failed to show up for work. His ex-wife, Erika Sandoval, 28, has been arrested in connection with his murder. According to the Tulare County District Attorney’s office, she has been charged with first degree murder, which could lead to the death penalty or life in prison without possibility of parole, if convicted. She has plead not guilty.
Together, the two have a two-year-old son, who is currently living with relatives.
Members of the Exeter Police Department had diligently remained by Green’s side since his body was found. They escorted him from the scene to the coroner’s office, from there to the Smith Family Chapel in Exeter, where closed casket visitation was held Monday, February 16.
The town of Exeter has rallied with blue ribbons and lights in local businesses and residents, in honor of the late officer. Flags have been kept at half-mast.
Residents, business owners and law enforcement came out to pay homage to Green, as his procession passed through town shortly after 1 p.m.
Angela Holland had just picked up her daughter from preschool.
“Out of respect we stopped,” she said, accompanied by her daughter and other family members.
Tulare County and Farmersville fire departments hung a large American flag from two hook-and-ladder trucks, across Pine Street for the procession to drive under.
“We did it to honor Officer Green,” said Lieutenant Jared Smith, who works out for Tulare County Fire out of the Exeter Station.
“We knew him from running calls with him in town, but not on a personnel level,” Smith said. “He was an excellent police officer.
Green was raised in Porterville and spent all of his law enforcement career with the Exeter Police Department.
The procession continued on to Porterville. Officer Green was laid to rest in the Porterville Cemetery later that afternoon.
Exeter Police ask that donations be made to the Daniel Green Memorial Fund, to benefit Green’s two-year-old son. An account has been made at Bank of the Sierra and donations can be made at any branch.
