The three law enforcement officers who were fatally shot Sunday morning in Baton Rouge have been identified as Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald and Brad Garafola.
Montrell Jackson, 32, was a 10-year-veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department and a father to a four-month old son.
Last month, Jackson had his tenth anniversary with the Baton Rouge Police Department, according to online city records.
"He loved his job," said Darnell Murdock, one of Jackson's friends.
"It motivated him to go out and change people's lives. He was on (the force) to help people, to make you have a better day," Murdock said. "He was humble, kind and sweet. … He wasn't on there to write tickets. I don't understand how this could happen to someone like him."
The officer recently welcomed a son, Murdock said.
Matthew Gerald, 41, served less than a year on the Baton Rouge Police force. Gerald served in the U.S. Army as a crew chief on a helicopter crew during multiple tours in Iraq. He was a husband and father to two young daughters.
A candlelight vigil to honor Gerald is planned for 8 p.m. Monday, July 18, on Country Manor Avenue in Southpointsubdivision, according to a Facebook post.
Brad Garafola, 45, was a 24-year veteran of the Baton Rouge Police Department. He was a husband and father to four children -- a 21-year-old son, a 15-year-old daughter, a 12-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter.
Garafola's brother posted a tribute on Facebook praising his brother's dedication to his family and his city.
"He leaves his wife and 4 kids behind in which he loved so much," the post reads. "I know a lot of you know Brad and his family. Please keep them and all of my family in your prayers. Brad, I love you very much my brother. I respect and appreciate everything you did for us, this city, and your job to protect and serve."
