Ouachita Parish Sheriff Jay Russell and Deputies welcomed the Gulf Coast Brotherhood Ride to the Ouachita Parish Rifle Range Friday afternoon. The group is comprised of First Responders from various states in the Southeast United States. Each year, the group honors First Responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty by riding their bicycles across the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, visiting agencies that have lost a member while on duty. The ride is dedicated to the memory of these fallen from each of the chosen agencies.
This year, the Riders chose as one of their honored Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Beard. Deputy Beard lost his life while on duty in 2017. Members of Deputy Beard’s family were also present at the ceremony. The family was presented a plaque engraved with Justin’s name and signed on the back by all of the Riders that participated.
The Riders also honored Monroe Police Officer Ayrian Michelle Williams who lost her life while on duty in 2018.
We appreciate the Gulf Coast Brotherhood Ride honoring Deputy Beard, their act of compassion to his family and their ongoing effort to see that the memory of all fallen First Responders is never forgotten.
