BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – Law enforcement officers who were killed and injured in an ambush in Baton Rouge are being remembered seven years later.
On July 17, 2016, two Baton Rouge police officers and a deputy were killed during an ambush attack on Airline Highway.
“Today is a day I will forever remember. Many of us can pinpoint where we were when we heard the news. It was a day of tragedy, but also a day of great courage and sacrifice,” said East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux.
Gautreaux recounted that day in a statement Monday morning, saying a call was received early that morning informing them of a man who targeted and killed officers and deputies in an ambush.
“Thankfully, the suspect was taken out and not worth remembering,” he said.
Who is remembered is Baton Rouge police Cpl. Montrell Jackson, Officer Matthew Gerald, and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brad Garafola — all three were shot and killed at the scene. EBRSO Cpl. Nick Tullier was injured after getting shot multiple times. He died from his injuries on May 5, 2022.
BRPD Cpl. Chad Montgomery was injured after a bullet grazed his head and EBRSO Lt. Bruce Simmons was shot in the arm, the sheriff said.
“Today, and every day, we remember the sacrifices of these officers and deputies,” said Gautreaux. “They were not just heroes in how they died, but in how they lived. Please pray for and support their families. They are our family.”
The sheriff’s message ended by quoting fallen officer Jackson, “Don’t let hate infect your heart.”
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