Joshua Briese, who grew up in Montana, always aspired to work in law enforcement, just like his father. Despite the tragic loss of his father, who passed away at the age of 38 while on duty in 2006, Joshua remained determined to pursue his dreams.
“I had to make several attempts to dissuade him, but he was determined,” shared Capt. Kent O’Donnell of the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office in Billings, Montana, with azfamily.com. “He had his sights set on becoming a police officer and simply wanted to honor his father’s legacy.”
Briese accomplished exactly that, as he recently became a tribal police officer for the Gila River Police Department, located south of Phoenix. Despite being in the midst of field training and having served less than a year, he tragically lost his life on duty, following in the footsteps of his father.
“They’re probably up there in heaven, driving around and patrolling together,” O’Donnell expressed, “and it brings a smile to our faces, knowing that they’re reunited once again.”
According to the Gila River Indian Community, a 23-year-old individual was tragically shot and killed in the early hours of Saturday while responding to a reported disturbance at a house party.
On Saturday night, the tribal council leaders swiftly implemented a temporary ban on hosting house parties within the community.
Multiple gunshots were fired, hitting Briese and another tribal police officer, according to the police. The second officer sustained serious injuries but managed to survive, as per police reports.
According to the police, four other individuals sustained injuries, including one who tragically passed away. The identities of the other victims have not yet been disclosed.
The FBI in Phoenix has announced that they have taken two suspects, a man and a boy, into custody in connection with the shooting. However, no further details have been disclosed at this time.
Just a few weeks ago, O’Donnell had a conversation with Briese, who is affectionately known as “Joshie” by his loved ones.
O’Donnell expressed her sadness over not being able to witness his growth and the bright future he had ahead of him.
The Yellow County Sheriff’s Office stated separately that Briese and his father, David, passed away while serving their community and doing what they loved.
In November 2006, a tragic incident occurred when David Briese, a dedicated Yellowstone County deputy, lost his life in a car accident. He was en route to assist another officer who was handling a confrontational impaired driver.