⚠️ Our Main Office/Department that is located in Louisiana was in Baton Rouge Louisiana Today to pay their respect and to show their support  ⚠️ 

Today we remember the Baton Rouge Law Enforcement Officers that paid the ultimate sacrifice on July 17, 2016.  Six Law Enforcement Officers were ambushed and 3 of which lost their lives.

Please keep their loved ones in your prayers and continue to pray for our Officers who were injured.

#NeverForget

Thank you 💙 July 17,2016

Thank you 💙 July 17,2016

Thank you 💙 July 17,2016 #NeverForget

#NEVERFORGET

Memorial walk begins from shooting site to law enforcement memorial. #NEVERFORGET

Never forget July 17, 2016. Thank you 💙

View photos > https://myalbum.com/album/DgMGSxMmW3sEAB

View album > https://myalbum.com/folder/h6Yj4FtJHPxR

Five years ago today, on what we all hoped would be a peaceful Sunday morning, Deputy Brad Garafola’s voice shattered the silence when he came over the radio to yell “Shots fired! Officer down!” The following moments changed the lives of so many-- our community, our agency and the family of law enforcement-- forever. A lone gunman came into our community and cowardly ambushed and killed Officer Matthew Gerald, Cpl. Montrell Jackson and Deputy Brad Garafola. He injured Cpl. Chad Montgomery, Lt. Bruce Simmons and Cpl. Nick Tullier.

These men, and many others, ran toward danger that day. They ran toward the gunfire rather than away from it. They will forever remind us what it truly means to be a public servant. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Brad, Matthew and Montrell lay down their lives for us—for our community.

Five years of missed moments and milestones. Five years of perseverance and working to heal. Five years of missing those gone from us and praying for recovery for those still with us. Together—as a department, a parish, a community—we began a slow journey of healing. 

The tragedy was in many ways a turning point for our community as I witnessed an outpouring of generosity, kindness, love and support. As always, kindness opens doors. The same doors are slammed shut by hate and prejudice. We can’t be a community behind closed doors. I pray that our community’s doors will continue to open wider than ever as we choose love and kindness.

Genesis 50:20 says “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

Kindness not only opens doors, but kindness heals. We all are united in pain and loss, but if we continue to choose kindness, we will heal together. Just as a broken bone can heal back stronger than before, we as a community can continue to grow stronger than ever—united in kindness.

Today, and every day, we remember the sacrifices of Dy. Brad Garafola, Cpl. Montrell Jackson and Officer Matthew Gerald. They were not just heroes in how they died, but in how they lived.  We will never forget them. We pray for Sgt. Bruce Simmons and Cpl. Chad Montgomery and for healing of any remaining wounds- seen or unseen. We continue to pray for the healing of Cpl. Nick Tullier as he courageously continues to fight. We pray for protection over ALL of our law enforcement officers and first responders. We are forever grateful for your sacrifices to protect and serve.

God bless you all!

Sheriff Sid Gautreaux

Tribute Video to Fallen Law Enforcement July 2016

5 years ago today, a lone gunman opened fire outside of the B-Quick gas station on Airline Highway, leaving two BRPD officers and one EBRSO deputy dead. https://bit.ly/3Bbx3rH