A political ad using the image of the father of a Selma police officer killed in the line of duty last year set off a controversy this week in the city about 20 minutes south of Fresno.
The Selma Police Officers Association union said Mayor Scott Robertson has disrespectfully used a photo of Gonzalo Carrasco Sr., the father of officer Gonzalo Carrasco Jr. , in campaign yard signs, and at least one billboard seen from Highway 99 in town.
“Proudly endorsed by Gonzalo Carrasco Sr. father of fallen Selma PD officer Gonzalo Carrasco who gave his life protecting our city,” the signage says.
The elder Carrasco sent a letter dated on Monday to City Hall and Robertson.
“When we spoke, I did not know that you were recording my emotional response for future political use,” Carrasco’s letter says. “I did not know that you planned to use the photo we took in front of my son’s memorial for your political campaign.”
Robertson, who acknowledged getting the letter, said he asked and got the father’s permission for the ad that references Carrasco Jr., who was gunned down Jan. 31, 2023, while responding to a call for service.