PORTERVILLE – (INT) – Flags at the state capitol are at half-staff in memory of two Tulare County lawmen killed in the crash of their sheriff’s department aircraft.

Deputy Scott Ballantyne, 52, of Visalia, and pilot James Chavez, 45, of Hanford, were killed Wednesday in the crash along Highway 190 near Lake Success in Porterville. They were assisting a mission to apprehend a suspect.

Deputy Ballantyne was a 27-year veteran of the Tulare County Sheriff's Department. He is survived by his mother and sister.

Pilot Chavez was hired by the Tulare County Sheriff's Department in 2014 and previously served in the California National Guard and Navy Reserve. He is survived by his wife and two children, ages eight and four.

Cause of the crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Story Date: February 14, 2016