We add our voice to the chorus of those in Baton Rouge mourning the death and celebrating the life of Sgt. Caleb Eisworth, the Baton Rouge Police officer who died almost two months after being struck by a pickup truck while riding his police motorcycle in what prosecutors have alleged was an intentional attack because he wore a badge.
At times during the months following the June 16 attack, he seemed to be improving, but on Sunday, he succumbed while surrounded by loved ones.
A 23-year veteran of the department and a motorcycle officer since 2008, Eisworth will be remembered as a hero who, during his career, was awarded a number of commendations and awards including the Medal of Valor, the department's highest honor, for having rescued a person from a burning vehicle while off-duty.
Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse described Eisworth as a "wonderful guy" who loved his family and LSU sports. He leaves behind his wife and a daughter.
The attack on Eisworth should serve as the latest tragic reminder that, for many in law enforcement, a potentially fatal threat can come at any moment and from any direction.
It also comes at a time when there have been other acts of violence against police. In recent days, a DeKalb County Police officer was shot and killed while responding to a shooting at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. And last month, a New York City police officer was among those killed during a Manhattan shooting.
Louisian has seen its share of anti-police violence. In March, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Deputy Grant Candies was killed when he was deploying a spike strip during a high-speed chase in Slidell.
And we hardly need to be reminded of the traumatic summer of 2016, when an armed gunman, apparently angered by the death of Alton Sterling in police custody, ambushed law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge, killing three and wounding three more. A fourth died years later due to injuries sustained in the ambush. This month also marks 20 years since the death of Det. Terry Lee Melancon Jr., another BRPD officer who was shot while on a search warrant.
We acknowledge that not all policing is perfect. There are problems, of course, some of them serious. But there are also officers like Eisworth and Candies, both of whom died while fulfilling their duty to protect and serve their communities. That's worthy of our respect and gratitude. And no amount of grievance can justify violence against the officers who patrol our streets.
The words of this editorial will do little to assuage the pain that Eisworth's family is experiencing. Nevertheless, we hope and pray that they will find some comfort in knowing that all of ¶¶Òõh mourns with them.Â
