Family and friends remember North Bay mother and parole officer Jessica Avila Munoz, who was killed by suspected drunk driver

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) — In North Bay, Sonoma County police are mourning the loss of one of their own. Jessica Avila Munoz was a juvenile justice counselor. She was off duty on Friday to pick up her daughter from school when she was killed by a suspected drunk driver who had already been arrested four times for drunk driving.

“It was a punch in the gut, something that will stay with us for the rest of our careers,” said probation officer Vanessa Fuchs.

Fuchs says her staff at the Sonoma County Juvenile Detention Center is mourning the death of 31-year-old correctional counselor Jessica Avila Munoz.

On Friday, Munoz was picking up her 13-year-old daughter from school in Santa Rosa when she was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver. Munoz had just started her career in juvenile detention, was sworn in last October, and was excited to be part of the team.

“She went to work with enthusiasm and was very happy and proud to work as a juvenile corrections counselor,” said Fuchs.

The facility's break room is filled with flowers and cards in memory of Jessica.

“She was very happy to work here and had compassion for the inmates,” said juvenile corrections counselor Trevor Vannetti.

PREVIOUS STORY: Mother who died in drunk driving crash in Santa Rosa identified; worked for Sonoma County Probation Department

Vannetti was Jessica's friend and colleague. He says there was only one thing she loved more than her work.

“She loved her daughter more than anything, that was her top priority, the department will do everything we can to help her with whatever she needs,” he added.

Sonoma County Superior Court records show the 68-year-old suspect has been convicted of drunken driving at least four times since 1987. Police said he was driving illegally despite having a suspended license.

“Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs should never get behind the wheel, especially if they have already been arrested,” says Patricia Steffens, a sergeant with the Santa Rosa Police Department.

“As far as I know, Jessica and her sister moved into a new apartment on the 1st and hadn't even unpacked their boxes yet,” said Damian Evans, president of the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association.

MORE: San Jose community service worker killed by suspected drunk driver remembered as loving and kind

The association has launched an online fundraising campaign to support Jessica’s family.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies across the region are coping with the loss of a distinguished officer who left us far too soon.

“I just want to focus on Jessica, tell her story and support her family during this difficult time,” Fuchs said.