Page 8 - February 2017

On July 17, 2016, Officer Matthew Gerald and Corporal Montrell Jackson of the Baton Rouge Police Department
(BRPD) and Deputy Brad Garafola of the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department were shot and killed during an
ambush. Three other officers were injured, one of whom is still recovering at a rehabilitation facility.
This is the result of yet another senseless, cowardly act against those who have taken the oath of office to serve and
protect the lives of others while remaining under the constant and serious threat of domestic terrorism - a realistic
threat that we, as officers, face on a daily basis.

The heartfelt loss of the following officers is felt deeply across our nation.

Officer Matthew Gerald, a 41-year-old former Marine with three tours in Iraq, had been with the BRPD for less than
one year. He is survived by his wife, who learned she was pregnant with their son after his death, and their two
daughters, ages 3 and 9.

Corporal Montrell Jackson, 32 years old, had been with the BRPD for 10 years and was known for his commitment to
unite a divided city and his motto, “don’t let hate infect your heart”. He is survived by his wife and their four month
old son.

Deputy Brad Garafola, 45, had been with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office for 24 years and was scheduled
to work until 0800 hours that Sunday before he left for vacation with his family the following day. The shooting
occurred at 0830 hours. Deputy Garafola is survived by his wife and 4 children, ages 21, 15, 12 and 7.

In early November 2016, Trooper Brian Talbot of the Gaming Enforcement Unit had the opportunity to travel to
Louisiana for the purpose of training at the Louisiana State Police facility in Baton Rouge. While in the area of Baton
Rouge, and serving as a representative of the Massachusetts State Police, Trooper Talbot presented plaques to Deputy
Chief David Hamilton of the Baton Rouge Police Department and Colonel Lawrence J. McCleary of the East Baton
Rouge Sheriff’s Department in memory of their fallen officers from the July incident. To date, both departments
continue to receive support from public communities and law enforcement agencies nationwide, a touching tribute
to the lives lost. It was truly an honor to have our MSP family represented by a small but significant act to show that
the lives of Officers Garafola, Jackson and Gerald will be remembered and honored, even by fellow officers across the
country. Rest in peace, brothers in blue, you will not be forgotten.

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