Gulf Coast Brotherhood Bike Riders honor killed law enforcement officers

The Gulf Coast Brotherhood Bike Riders stopped in Lafayette as part of a 440-mile trek to honor first responders who were killed while on duty. 

The 34 riders started their journey in Eunice, Louisiana, and will finish in Orange Beach, Alabama. They're fundraising for 12 first responders. The money will be donated to their surviving families. 

While in Lafayette, the riders recognized Lafayette Police Cpl. Michael Middlebrook, who was shot and killed in 2017 while responding to a call at a convenience store, and Wildlife and Fisheries Agent Immanuel Washington, who was killed during a training exercise. 

"You don't know what it means to me and my officers to have you here," said Lafayette Police Chief Toby Aguillard in front of the department's headquarters Monday. "There are no words."

The bicyclists come from all over the country — Baton Rouge, Jefferson Parish, Houston, Charleston. 

"We're all one family," said Maj. Cliff Comeaux Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. "We wear different badges, we work in different jurisdictions, we have different job descriptions, but when it comes to protecting people and trying to keep the handles on society and make everything safe for everyone, that's what it's all about."

After meeting Middlebrook and Washington's families at LPD headquarters, the group traveled to the Cajundome. It was a special place, Comeaux said because Washington played basketball there while attending the University of Louisiana.  

Last week, law enforcement agents recognized 22 officers, troopers and deputies who were killed in the line of duty in Acadiana during National Police Week. 

Contact Ashley White at adwhite@theadvertiser.com or on Twitter @AshleyyDi.