Legacy of Bravery: Father and Son Police Officers Lose Their Lives in Line of Duty

Joshua Briese, 23, was fatally shot on Saturday.

In a tragic echo of his father’s fate, a rookie police officer from Arizona, Joshua Briese, 23, was killed while on duty. This incident occurred nearly two decades after his father, David Briese, also lost his life while serving as a police officer. A family friend shared the poignant belief that the father and son duo are now “on heavenly patrol together.”

Joshua Briese’s life was cut short early Saturday when he responded to a disturbance at a house party within the Gila River Indian Community. He had been serving as a tribal officer with the Gila River Police Department for less than a year and was still undergoing field training. His father, David Briese, was 36 when he tragically died in a car accident in 2006 while serving with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office in Montana.

David Briese was killed on duty in November 2006.

Despite the devastating loss of his father, Joshua Briese was determined to pursue a career in law enforcement. Family friend, Capt. Kent O’Donnell, who had worked alongside David Briese, told AZ Family about Joshua’s unwavering resolve. He said, “I tried to dissuade him a few times, but his determination was unshakeable. He aspired to be a police officer and aimed to make his father proud.”

O’Donnell added, “They’re probably patrolling together in heaven, and it brings us a small measure of comfort knowing they’re reunited.”

Another officer was wounded and four others were shot in the early morning shoot-out.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office released a heartfelt statement, acknowledging that both David and Joshua Briese “departed this world while serving their community and doing what they loved.” Joshua Briese was fatally shot when multiple gunshots were fired at the house party on tribal land around 2 a.m. Saturday.

Another officer was also injured in the shooting and was reported to be in serious but stable condition on Monday, according to AZ Family.

The car wreck that killed David Briese in November 2006.

The shooting also resulted in four other victims. Alicen Apkaw, 23, succumbed to her injuries later. The FBI Phoenix announced the arrest of a man and a minor in connection with the shooting. In response to the weekend’s tragic events, tribal leaders have implemented a temporary ban on all house parties.