LaPlace, La. -
Family and friends, along with an entire community, say a painful goodbye to Jeremy Triche, one of two St. John Parish deputies shot and killed during an ambush last week.
Hundreds of fellow law enforcement officers from across the state, along with Gov. Bobby Jindal and local dignitaries, paid their final respects. Men and women who protect and serve citizens across the state salute a man who died simply doing his job.
"We're all hurting for family, for our friends, for our community, just for everybody right now, and I hope that everybody will stand behind us, and remember us. We need everybody's prayers and thoughts right now," said LaPlace resident Rose Lodrigues.
"It's just knowing that they were doing their job and we're trying to help them, help the family, and I have a son who is a civil servant, so it means much," said Lodrigues, whose son is a LaPlace firefighter.
Officer badges were covered with a black cloth in memory of Deputy Jeremy Triche, only 27 years old at the time of his death. He and his partner 34-year-old Brandon Nielsen were gunned down and killed in a LaPlace trailer park. Monday would have been Triche's 28th birthday.
"I can't stress enough, they are the real heroes, putting their life on the line, protecting us, taking care of my people on the street," said Michael Rollo, who owns a LaPlace security company.
Another deputy, Jason Triche, was also wounded. Deputy Michael Scott Boyington was shot earlier that day as he worked an off-duty detail at an off-site parking lot for Valero's Airline Hwy. refinery.
"Just devastating, truly devastating. Just doing his job, making it safe for the rest of us, and he has to put his life on the line everyday. It's just terrible," said Rollo.
People who live in the tight-knit LaPlace community say this is a sad day for St. John Parish, But with such an overwhelming outpouring of support, they say they'll move through this tragedy.
"The amazement of all of these people that have turned out, it's just emotional. It's wonderful that there is so much support from everywhere," said LaPlace resident Marsha Kliebert.
"It's just right that we stand out here and honor them," said Joann Holland, from Metairie.
Holland stood and watched Triche's procession to his final resting place with her hand over her heart.
"Senseless, useless waste of life. It didn't have to be done, and I hope the people that are caught will serve justice," said Holland.
Triche had been with the St. John Sheriff's Office for four years, and was assigned to the canine division. The deputy leaves behind his wife and a two-year-old son.
Visitation for deputy Brandon Nielsen is set for 5:00 Tuesday evening at Lakelawn Funeral Home. His funeral will be held Wednesday at Lakelawn Cemetery.
The two wounded deputies remain in area hospitals.
