‘He passed doing what he loved to do’: Annual vigil honors fallen first responders

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - A candlelight vigil was held on Tuesday, May 7 in honor of fallen first responders.

The vigil started at 6 p.m. and was presented by the Baton Rouge Fraternal Order of Police.

The event took place at Jefferson Baptist Church. Dozens of people showed up to pay their respects to those who sacrificed for their communities.

Friends and loved ones took a moment to reflect and remember Louisiana’s bravest men and women in blue.

“Specifically with the Baton Rouge police, we have lost so many officers during my 18-year career that it feels like we are memorializing someone all of the time,” said Jonathan Medine, a sergeant with BRPD.

Medine has watched many officers come and go. He says these are some people you can never forget.

“When their names are read you really see their face and you remember the funny stories that kind of bring joy to you. That is how you remember those people; the funny stories, the joy you had working together, and living life together,” he added.

“My dad. I was really young when he died,” said Brad Garafola, Jr.

East Baton Rouge deputy Brad Garafola was among those killed during the police ambush back in 2016, but his memory still lives on through his son.

“But I got to know him pretty well. He taught me a lot of stuff and I am glad that I get to use that for the man that I am today. He’s still making me out to be the man I am today.”

Mark Beck was a Baton Rouge K9 officer killed in a car crash in 2008.

“It is hard every year but it is what it is. It is God’s doing that he passed doing what he loved to do,” said Marcia Beck, a family member.

His family says it’s a dark day for many families, but comforting to know that they are gone but never forgotten.

“It’s important for everyone out there to understand that your life is always on the line and they know what they were out there doing but it is very important to protect the city and protect everyone,” Beck finished.

In just a few days, Baton Rouge Police will head to Washington for National Police Week to continue honoring our fallen heroes.

Click here to report a typo.