The family of a St. John Parish deputy killed in an ambush last week receives an outpouring of support from around the country.
34-year-old Brandon Nielsen was laid to rest Wednesday at Metairie Lakelawn cemetery. Hundreds of fellow law enforcement officers from around the state, as well as different parts of the country, came to show their support for a sheriff's deputy who died doing his job.
A miles-long motorcade made its way from Nielsen's church in LaPlace to the Metairie Lakelawn Cemetery, where family members said their final farewell.
In front of an eternal flame that honors men and woman killed in the line of duty, there was a massive showing of family, friends, and law enforcement officers from across the country, honoring a deputy who died protecting his community.
"It's a sad situation, and it's hard. It's hard to deal with something like this. You think you have all the strength, and when they give that last call, it's horrible," said Ofc. Joseph Fennidy.
"So much is put on the burden of officers, and if it's not for the things we do, protecting the community and the people, where would we be," said Ofc. Fennidy. "It's sad that a fellow officer had to die like that. My heart goes out to his family."
"He was one of the best. Brandon wasn't just about being an officer -- it was about being something special to the community," said a cousin of Dep. Nielsen, Thom Cameron.
Cameron says the officer's six-year old daughter, Lily, has been one of the strongest in the family. He says, on the day of his death, she gave her grieving mother a bandage, telling her it was "magic" and to put it over her heart.
"The vigil, a few nights ago, Lily was there strong and she had a flashlight, and she was showing it on a picture of Brandon. And she said, 'I'm going to keep the light on Daddy.' The strength that this six-year-old has had for the family is just amazing. It's given us all the strength to kind of keep it together, and kind of be there for each other," said Cameron.
That bandage has become a symbol of strength and unity for those mourning the loss of both officers killed in the line of duty.
Nielsen was with partners, Jason and Jeremy Triche when they were gunned down. Jeremy Triche was laid to rest in LaPlace Monday. Jason Triche was wounded, and remains in the hospital.
Nielsen had been with the St. John Sheriff's Office for nearly two years, and was assigned to the traffic division.
"He was a brother. It's a brotherhood that we have for each other. we're all there for each other, and to see all the turnout for this is special. Even though it's a tragic loss, it's good to see that we're all together," said Ofc. Joey Disler.
"It was touching, it's always touching to see the outpour, and to see just the support from everybody," said Dep. Kristen Montgomery.
Officers came from as far as Chicago and San Antonio.
"If it's not you that it involves, it hits you, it hits you hard. I've been to several services, and I hold up good, until that last call," said Fennidy. "You never know when that last call is going to be for you."
Dep. Brandon Nielsen leaves behind a wife and five children.
Doctors say Deputies Jason Triche and Michael Boyington, who was wounded in the shooting at an off-site parking lot for the Valero refinery before the ambush, remain hospitalized in stable condition and are improving.
A fund has been set up to help their families of Jeremy Triche and Brandon Nielsen. You can make a donation at any branch of First American Bank in the New Orleans area.
