Louisiana State Police

Today, we remember the brave law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Baton Rouge on July 17, 2016.

We honor their courage, their service, and the lives they gave in protection of others. Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families, friends, fellow officers, and all who continue to carry their memory.

May we never forget their sacrifice, and may their legacy continue to inspire us.

Forever We Remember
July 17, 2016 – July 17, 2026

Ten years have passed since the day our community was forever changed, yet the loss of July 17, 2016, remains deeply felt.

On that morning, six law enforcement officers were ambushed while answering the call to serve. Deputy Brad Garafola, Sergeant Nick Tullier, Corporal Montrell Jackson, and Officer Matthew Gerald gave their lives protecting others. Corporal Chad Montgomery and Lieutenant Bruce Simmons were wounded in the line of duty and demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable violence.

A decade later, we still remember where we were, what we felt, and the profound grief that followed. For the families, friends, fellow officers, deputies, and first responders who lived through that day, the passage of time does not erase the loss.

These men were more than uniforms and badges. They were husbands, fathers, sons, friends, and public servants who loved their families and their community. Their lives were defined not by the violence that took them from us, but by their courage, compassion, faith, and willingness to stand between danger and others.

Their sacrifice continues to guide us. It reminds every person who wears the badge of the responsibility we carry and the courage required to serve. It also reminds us that hatred must never have the final word.

As Corporal Montrell Jackson wrote shortly before his death, “Don’t let hate infect your heart.” Those words remain as meaningful today as they were ten years ago.

To the Garafola, Tullier, Jackson, and Gerald families: we continue to stand with you. Your loved ones remain part of our law enforcement family, and their names, service, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

On this 10th anniversary, I ask our community to pause, remember these heroes, pray for their families, and honor their legacy by choosing unity, kindness, and respect for one another.

May God continue to comfort their families, protect all who serve, and bless our community.

Forever remembered. Never forgotten.

— Sheriff Sid J. Gautreaux III

Every step makes a difference.

Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Human Trafficking 5K Run or Walk on Saturday, January 9, 2027, in Downtown Baton Rouge. Join the Louisiana State Troopers Association and Troopers as we raise awareness about human trafficking and support efforts to educate our communities.

Registration is now open! Sign up today at: https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/BatonRouge/HumanTraffickingAwareness5K

Whether you run, walk, or come out to support the cause, we hope to see you there as we stand together against human trafficking.