Slain Baton Rouge Police Officer and Veteran Mourned at Funeral

Matthew Gerald and his fellow officers died in a "targeted" attack against cops.

ByABC News
July 22, 2016, 3:55 PM

— -- Matthew Gerald, one of the law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sunday, was mourned today at his funeral by family, friends and colleagues.

Gerald, 41, a husband and father, was an Army and Marine veteran who completed three tours of duty in Iraq. He had been serving the Baton Rouge Police Department for less than a year when he was fatally shot.

PHOTO: A Louisiana State Trooper makes his way to a funeral services for police officer Matthew Gerald at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 22, 2016.
A Louisiana State Trooper makes his way to a funeral services for police officer Matthew Gerald at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 22, 2016.

His friend Dave Mulkey spoke at today's service, recalling the last text message he received from Gerald. He said he was checking up on Gerald after the Baton Rouge protests and told him to be careful and keep a cool head.

And Gerald responded: "I'm gonna do what I got to do to keep you safe," Mulkey said.

Mulkey said Gerald was going to be the best man at his wedding, but he was deployed to Iraq that day. Mulkey said Gerald decided to return to the Army after Sept. 11.

"He never once asked for recognition," Mulkey said. He praised Gerald for going toward the danger, along with his fellow fallen officers.

PHOTO: Motorcycle patrolmen arrive to the funeral services for police officer Matthew Gerald, one of three officers killed by a gunman on July 17, at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 22, 2016.
Motorcycle patrolmen arrive to the funeral services for police officer Matthew Gerald, one of three officers killed by a gunman on July 17, at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 22, 2016.

Gerald's brother-in-law Justin Badeaux said in an emotional tribute, "He laid his life down to protect his community and country."

"Matt, you're my hero and I'll always love you," Badeaux added.

PHOTO: A Baton Rouge police officer and a mourner embrace at a funeral services for police officer Matthew Gerald at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 22, 2016.
A Baton Rouge police officer and a mourner embrace at a funeral services for police officer Matthew Gerald at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 22, 2016.

Later in the service, Pastor Mike Haman asked everyone to stand and applaud the law enforcement officers in the room.

PHOTO: Funeral services for police officer Matthew Gerald, at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 22, 2016.
Funeral services for police officer Matthew Gerald, at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July 22, 2016.

Gerald and two other officers died Sunday morning in the shooting, which was a "targeted" attack against cops, said Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson. The gunman was killed by police.

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