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Community members are saying their goodbyes ahead of Deputy Antonio "Tony" Hinostroza's funeral.
A makeshift memorial is set-up at the intersection of Terminal Avenue and Claribel Road in Riverbank, filled with more than 20 candles and flowers. It's the spot where Hinostroza was killed in the line of duty as he was helping officers in a car chase. Lisa Alba has stopped by at the spot every night since he was killed. She makes sure all the candles are lit.
"Sometimes I'll pass by and if they're lit I won't stop, but if they're not, I make sure they're lit every night," Alba said.
Hinostroza and Alba became friends in high school about 30 years ago. The loss of her friend didn't sink in until this week when family and close friends came together for services before the funeral.
"I think that's when reality hit," Alba said. "Seeing everybody there for a reason."
Alba said the funeral will be tough for so many people. It'll be held Thursday morning at the House Church in Modesto.
People have been sending flowers to the family and the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department as a sign of their condolences. Hart Floral in Modesto has made several arrangements for the funeral, including an intricate piece using leaves to replicate a badge
"You could tell that he's respected by a lot of people, even people that don't know him," Alba said.
The outpouring of love and support goes beyond what is seen at the makeshift memorial. It's felt throughout this community and even across the country.
"Tony was a great guy," Alba said. "If he came across with him he would just leave a mark on your heart."
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