Metairie, La. - Officers from across the region gathered at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemeteries Tuesday to remember St. John Deputy Brandon Nielsen, who was killed in the line of duty Thursday, August 16.
Officers attending the visitation gazed upon the Louisiana Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, knowing two more of their own would soon be added to the list.
Steve and Wendy Nielsen have lost their son. "He's our hero," said Wendy Nielsen. "He was our hero before, but now... he's everyone's hero."
Many people across the country feel the same way. They're expressing their feelings on the Officer Down Memorial Page. It's a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring America's fallen law enforcement.
A deputy from Seattle wrote, "You are a hero, and you will never be forgotten."
An officer with the Harvard University Police Department added, "God Bless and may you forever rest in peace, brother."
A Washington State trooper wrote, "Rest in peace my brother for you are a true hero."
And out of Detroit, there's the message, "Godspeed and you will not be forgotten."
"He's just amazing and he will live on that way," said Wendy Nielsen. "Even though this act of violence took him away from us, that part will not be taken. He will always live with us in that manner. He's our hero."
Funeral services for St. John Deputy Brandon Nielsen will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 22 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemeteries.
St. John Deputy Brandon Nielsen, one of two deputies killed in Thursday's shooting
