Funeral services are Friday morning, Nov. 16 for Oakdale Police Officer Paul Katuszonek, killed in an auto accident last week.

A five-year veteran of the department, Katuszonek died Thursday afternoon, Nov. 8, when a tractor-trailer plowed into the back of his Honda Accord on Highway 132 east of Faust Road in Modesto. He was off duty at the time and was scheduled to work that evening. He is survived by his wife and a one-year-old daughter.

The memorial service for Officer Katuszonek is set for Friday, Nov. 16, at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson. The police department lobby, records, and the animal shelter will be closed for the day. In Oakdale, D Street and North Second Avenue will be closed around the police department Friday morning as officers prepare for the service. They will leave en masse for the officer’s funeral, with a procession on Yosemite Avenue on Friday.

“It’s really hit the department hard,” said Oakdale Police Chief Lester Jenkins. “With less than 50 employees, we’re a really tight group.”

Chief Jenkins described Officer Katuszonek as a very productive, enthusiastic officer who loved his job.

The Oakdale Police Officers Association has established a trust fund in Officer Katuszonek’s honor for his daughter. Donations may be made at any Valley First Credit Union branch, reference “Oakdale Police Officer.” The account number is #191711. For additional information, contact the Oakdale branch at 126 West F St., or call (209) 847-6980.

Chief Jenkins said a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and outside agencies will cover police calls for the city for part of the day on Friday so all members of the department can attend the memorial service.

Motorists planning to be in Oakdale on Friday morning should be aware of the closure of D and North Second while the police department contingent prepares to leave for the service, with the area expected to be impacted from about 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.