Louisiana lawmakers advance memorial for fallen officers after deadly ambush

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Years after a tragic ambush claimed the lives of four law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, state lawmakers are taking steps to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

On Wednesday, the Louisiana Senate Transportation Committee approved a resolution to honor Corporal Montrell Jackson, Officer Matthew Gerald, Deputy Brad Garafola Sr., and Sergeant Nick Tullier — all of whom were ambushed and killed on July 17, 2016, during a targeted attack on police officers. The resolution proposes the designation of a section of Airline Highway in East Baton Rouge Parish as the “Jackson, Gerald, Garafola, Tullier Memorial Highway.”

The deadly shooting occurred amid heightened tensions following the killing of Alton Sterling, which sparked national outrage and local protests. The attack on officers sent shockwaves throughout the city and across the country.

“All of us in our communities have days that are forever etched in our soul,” said State Senator Rick Edmonds, who spoke in support of the resolution.

A family member of Sergeant Nick Tullier shared emotional remarks during the committee meeting, expressing the importance of public remembrance.

“To some, this name designation might seem insignificant, but to us, we continue to worry that as time goes by, the remembrance of what happened that day to our blue family members would fade away,” they said.

If approved by the full Senate, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will be directed to install memorial signage along the designated portion of Airline Highway.

“We’re trying to take a step to honor the families, the wives, the children — the ultimate sacrifice,” said Edmonds. “They gave their lives for this community and for Baton Rouge.”

The resolution now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

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