Every day, law enforcement officers go out into the world to protect and serve us. Never knowing what they will face, they are provided with training to prepare them for any situation. But every year, officers pay the ultimate sacrifice or suffer injuries.

About 10:30pm last night, Officer Eric Fontes and Officer Herman Scanlan were attending to a dark-colored SUV that was stopped in the left lane against the median. A pickup truck traveling in the same direction rammed into at least one of the police units on scene injuring the officers. Officer Fontes was initially in critical condition, while officer Scalan was listed in serious condition. On the way to the Queen's Medical Center, EMS officials stopped at Pali Momi, where they say officer Fontes passed away. Officer Scalan is currently recovering at the Queen's Medical Center in serious condition. Police arrested 20-year-old James Dorsey, of Waianae, at the scene. He was charged with negligent homicide and negligent injury.

Officer Fontes was originally from Molokai and graduated from the Police Academy in 2005.

Fontes also received an award for inspiration in his recruit class.

Fellow officers say Fontes was a great guy, officer, and a man of faith. They say he was family man and always made people laugh. He was also a positive person and encouraged the people he worked with.

Officer Fontes is the 42nd Officer to die in the line of duty.