Joshua Briese always knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a law enforcement officer. Despite the tragic loss of his father, who died while on duty at the young age of 38 in 2006, Joshua remained undeterred in his ambition. Growing up in Montana, he was determined to pursue his dream of serving his community in the same way his father did.
According to azfamily.com, Captain Kent O’Donnell from the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office in Billings, Montana, revealed that he had to dissuade the young man a few times, but he was determined to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer and making his father proud.
Briese followed in his father’s footsteps and became a tribal police officer, serving at the Gila River Police Department located south of Phoenix. Despite only being with the department for less than a year and still in field training, he passed away on duty on Saturday, just like his dad.
According to O’Donnell, “They’re up there in heaven patrolling around together,” and it brings a smile to our faces knowing they are reunited.
According to the Gila River Indian Community, a reported disturbance at a house party led to the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old who was responding to the incident in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday.
On Saturday night, the community’s tribal council leaders promptly implemented a temporary prohibition on hosting house parties.
Police have reported that in addition to one fatality, four other individuals sustained injuries in the incident. At this time, the identities of the other victims have not yet been released.
Just a few weeks ago, O’Donnell had a conversation with Briese, who is affectionately known as “Joshie” among his close friends and family.
In November 2006, a car crash took the life of David Briese, a Yellowstone County deputy who was en route to provide backup for a fellow officer handling a combative impaired driver.
