Heartbreaking Loss of Fallen Yellowstone County Deputy's Son

An absolutely heartbreaking story out of Gila River, Arizona. A young man whose dad died in the line of duty as a Yellowstone County Sheriff's (YCSO) Deputy in Montana, lost his life while serving as a police officer in Arizona on Saturday.

Josh Briese is the son of the late YCSO Deputy Dave Briese, who died in the line of duty back in 2006.

His father gave his life in service as a Yellowstone County Sheriff's Deputy. On Saturday, Josh Briese gave his life in service as a police officer.

According to the Gila River Police Department, several officers responded to a disturbance at a home on the Gila River Indian Community. "As the responding officers worked to address the disturbance, which involved a large crowd, multiple gunshots were fired. Two GRPD officers were struck by gunfire, as were four individuals at the scene."

The Gila River PD noted that "Officer Briese had been with the department for less than a year and was still on Field Training. Our hearts and prayers are with these police officers, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident."

The news immediately hit hard back home in Billings, Montana. The YCSO reported that the whole team was "heart broken and in disbelief upon receiving word of Josh's death, or "Joshie" as many of them had called him. "All we can say is God Speed and rest easy. Knowing Dave & Josh are together again, both left this world serving their community and doing what they loved. RIP."

The Gila River Police Department added, "Our hearts and prayers are with these police officers, their families, and everyone impacted by this tragic incident."

Here's a report featuring Josh Briese's interview several years ago on KULR-8 TV as he remembered his father.

LOOK: The longest highways in America

Stacker compiled a list of the longest interstates in the United States using 2021 data from the Federal Highway Administration. Read on to find out which ones are the lengthiest.

Gallery Credit: Hannah Lang