Baton Rouge honors one of its fallen police officers
BATON ROUGE, LA (KTRK) -- A crowd of 150 plus attended a vigil Monday night for Baton Rouge officer Matthew Gerald.
Gerald was with the department for less than a year, but he's served his country for years. Prior to joining the Baton Rouge police force, he served in the military.
"He spent his whole life serving our city and he's a hero," Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie, Jr. said.
The police chief got chocked up in a news conference as he spoke about the officers who were killed by gunman Gavin Long on Sunday morning.
It was evident by the crowd on Monday how truly loved Matthew Gerald was.
The vigil was held at his family's church.
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"As hard as it is, our community, our family, has not given up," Assistant Pastor Johnny Green said.
As they held candles the crowd prayed for peace for the community, and for the Gerald family.
"Our community pulls together, so there's really a spirit of togetherness," said Green.
