A longtime Louisiana sheriff's deputy who was shot and wounded six years ago in an ambush that killed three other law enforcement officers died Thursday.
On July 17, 2016, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Deputy Nick Tullier and a fellow deputy responded to a call of shots fired at a convenience store where Gavin Eugene Long, 29, was going on a shooting spree, The Advocate reports. As the deputies arrived at the scene, Long opened fire, striking Tullier in the stomach and the head, shattering his skull and causing brain damage.
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The deputy with Tullier was struck in the shoulder. Three other law enforcement officers—Deputy Brad Garafola and Baton Rouge Police Officers Montrell Jackson and Matthew Gerald—were killed in the rampage. Long also was fatally shot.
“I am heartbroken at the passing of a true hero, Cpl. Nick Tullier," Sheriff Sid Gautreaux wrote on his Facebook page. "Nick’s injury was a result of his selfless actions to courageously answer the call to protect and serve. For nearly six years he has defied all odds in recovery through his unwavering tenacity.
"My heart and prayers go out to them, Nick’s sons Gage and Trenton, and all of his family," he added. "Nick’s story certainly does not end here. His legacy of service, sacrifice and faith lives on through all of those he touched. We will be forever grateful and always remember and honor our hero, Nick Tullier.”
