Slain Baton Rouge police officer Montrell Jackson’s touching Facebook post

The three Baton Rouge, Louisiana police officers were ambushed on Sunday, July 17, 2016, by a Missouri man. Gavin Eugene Long of Kansas City — a former Marine sergeant who was honorably discharged in 2010 — will be remembered as the deranged masked gunman who joins a growing list of cop killers.

Montrell Jackson, 32, Matthew Gerald, 41, and Brad Garafola, 45, were killed on Sunday by Long.

In a Facebook post on Friday, July 8, 2016, following the assassination of five officers in Dallas the day prior, Jackson wrote a touching message on Facebook, which reads in part:

“I’m tired physically and emotionally. Disappointed in some family, friends, and officers for some reckless comments but hey what’s in your heart is in your heart. I still love you all because hate takes too much energy but I definitely won’t be looking at you the same. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me or my wife it was needed and much appreciated. I swear to God I love this city but I wonder if this city loves me. In uniform I get nasty hateful looks and out of uniform some consider me a threat. I’ve experienced so much in my short life and these last 3 days have tested me to the core. When people you know begin to question your integrity you realize they don’t really know you at all. Look at my actions they speak LOUD and CLEAR. Finally I personally want to send prayers out to everyone directly affected by this tragedy. These are trying times. Please don’t let hate infect your heart. This city MUST and WILL get better. I’m working in these streets, so any protesters, officers, friends, family, or whoever, if you see me and need a hug or want to say a prayer. I got you.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Jackson’s family, called the ‘Montrell Jackson Fallen Hero Fund‘. The page was set up by his sister Joycelyn Jackson who writes:

“During this time of uncertainty and imminent danger in our world, there are heroes among us. One of our heroes, Officer Montrell Jackson has fallen, on Sunday, July 17, 2016, in the line of duty in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“Montrell was a highly regarded police officer in the Baton Rouge Police Department, and most importantly, a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend.

“Words cannot describe the devastation that we feel right now, and would ask that those who are able to please contribute to this meaningful cause in order to assist Montrell’s family financially during this time of mourning. (All funds will go directly to Montrell Jackson’s wife and newborn son.)

“Rest in Peace, Montrell, you will always be our Hero.”