"I feel kind of sad because I can't tell them thank you," said Renee Day.
Renee Day never met CHP officers Juan Gonzalez and Brian Law, yet she feels connected to them.
"They're the epitome of protect and serve," said Day.
A week and a half ago, Renee's 21-year old daughter, Tyler, was driving home with her younger brother around midnight when her car ran out of gas. They became stranded along the freeway in Fresno.
"She was panicked. She was absolutely panicked," said Day.
Tyler did not have any money on her, so her instinct was to call the California Highway Patrol. Showing up were their knights in shining armor, A.K.A. Gonzalez and Law.
"I would expect they would call a tow truck and say here you go, they're going to get you home," said Day.
But the officers went above and beyond the call of duty. They pushed the stalled vehicle to a gas station and even gave them $5 to pump into their tank.
"There are not a whole lot of people who would help out two young kids that late at night and make sure they get home safe and I'm thankful they were there to watch over my babies," said Day.
Meanwhile at Fresno State Tuesday, flags were at half staff to pay tribute to officer Gonzalaez. He graduated the university in 2004 with a degree in criminology.
"He didn't want to work just any place, it had to be the California Highway Patrol," said Luz Gonzalez, Dean of Social Sciences at Fresno State.
Luz Gonzalez acted as one of Juan's mentors. She is proud of the fact he reached his goal.
"He put his all into it and when he put that uniform on, that was his dream come true. He showed everyone that it only came about through dedication and hard work," said Gonzalez.
The C.H.P is in the process of making funeral arrangements. Trust accounts to help the officers' families are also still in the works.