The wife of a fallen Baton Rouge Police officer has taken to social media to voice her heavy heart but also to thank the support from her community.
Dechia Gerald, the wife of 41-year-old Matthew Gerald, posted the emotional message to her Facebook page overnight.
She called Matthew Gerald her “blue eyed, rock.” She also thanked Baton Rouge Police Department, the community, military family and others for the outpouring of support.
“My heart is heavy. I feel a range of emotion. It wasn’t supposed to be this way!! I’m navigating our ship the best way I know how. No worries babe, BRPD, our community, family, friends, thin blue line family, and military family has our 6. I’m so over joyed with the out poor of the love, prayers, food, drink, cleaning services, note takers,etc. I’m forever grateful and will never forget. I’m drawing my strength from all the love surrounding me from all directions. Until we meet again, Matthew Gerald, RIP, babe. I know your proud of what you see. Give Paw Paw Charles some love for us!! Send our love to Emiley Gassie Thibodeaux as well.”
Gerald was a Marine and had two children with his wife. He was a former Black Hawk crew chief.