On the recordSeptember 8, 2016
Mr. President, I rise today to honor three brave men: Corporal Montrell Jackson, Deputy Brad Garafola, and Officer Matthew Gerald. It has been a tough summer in Louisiana. Not only did we have the floods of which I spoke yesterday, but we had the Alton Sterling shooting, the civil unrest afterwards, and then these three officers killed and several others shot. I will speak today to these officers. On July 17, the three men I just mentioned gave their lives while protecting our community when ambushed while reporting to a 9-1-1 call. Deputy Nick Tullier, Deputy Bruce Simmons, and Officer Chad Montgomery were injured during this attack. Thankfully, Deputy Simmons and Officer Montgomery have returned home to their families, but Deputy Tullier remains in the hospital. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Speaking of those who died, Corporal Jackson was a 10-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department, a loving husband to his wife Trenisha, and a father to his 4-month-old child, Mason. Following the shooting of Mr. Alton Sterling, Montrell wrote on his Facebook page: I personally want to send prayers out to everyone affected by this tragedy. These are trying times. Please don't let hate infect your heart. This city must and will get better. Deputy Garafola served the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office for over 24 years. He was a beloved son, husband to his wife Tonja, and father to their four children: Garrett, Braley, Brad, and Samantha.…





