Lafourche educator wins Principal of the Year
August 2, 2016
Only at Tarpon
August 2, 2016
In the early morning hours of Sunday, July 17, brave Baton Rouge law enforcement officers were gunned down in what can only be described as a cowardly and murderous attack.
That morning, six Louisiana officers were shot, with three suffering severe injuries and three sacrificing their lives in service of their communities.
These men were not only outstanding police officers, but they were also husbands, fathers, and members of their community. And they will be greatly missed.
So many of our nation’s police officers are husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, veterans of our military, Republicans and Democrats. At the end of the day, it is their
service and sacrifice that speaks volumes more than any political leaning. As for the three officers we lost in Baton Rouge, their stories reflect those of so many officers across the country.
The three men who ultimately sacrificed their lives were Officers Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald, and Brad Garafola.
Officer Montrell Jackson was 32 years old and a father to a four-year old. He dedicated ten years of his life to helping those in need within his community and putting his life on the line to protect his community.
Officer Matthew Gerald was 41 years old. He was a veteran of United States Marines, having served in the 1990s before reenlisting when his country needed him in 2002. He was deployed to Iraq and the Middle East three times. Gerald was awarded four Air Medals for his service to his country before joining law enforcement. Officer Gerald is survived by his wife and two children, aged 3 and 9.
Officer Brad Garafola spent 24 years with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department and is survived by his wife and four children, aged 7, 12, 15, and 21.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time in recent months that our state-and the Baton Rouge community in particular-has been thrown into the national spotlight for a grievous incident. Alton Sterling, a 37-year old Baton Rouge resident, was killed earlier this month, and Wendy and I continue to pray for his family and the surrounding community.
Words can hardly describe the sorrow, heartache, and utter disgust that these recent violent acts have generated. In a time of divisiveness, it is as important as ever to band together to root out violence and pursue peace.
In the days ahead, my thoughts and prayers will remain with the families of the slain officers and the Sterling family as we continue to heal from the violence.
Maj. Mike Dean with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office holds a child this weekend.
