Officers shot over the weekend identified - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

FRANKLIN, La., (KNOE 8 News) - Officials from Louisiana State Police, the Chitimacha Police Department and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office released the names of the officers involved in Saturday's shooting.

Sergeant Rick Riggenbach, 52, with the Chitimacha Police Department, was shot and killed by 48-year-old Wilbert Thibodeaux during Saturday's incident. Sergeant Riggenbach is survived by his wife, Bonnie, three daughters, son, and grandchildren. Sergeant Riggenbach was a 15 year veteran of law enforcement. During his 15 years of service Sergeant Riggenbach worked for the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office and the Chitimacha Police Department. Prior to entering law enforcement, Sergeant Riggenbach served in the United States Navy.

"Sergeant Riggenbach is a true hero and his actions saved the lives of many other people," said Chief Blaise Smith, Chitimacha Police Department. "Our department and our community have suffered a great loss. Not only was Sergeant Riggenbach a brave police officer, but he was a truly amazing friend."

St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Deputies Jason Javier and Matthew Strickland, remain in hospitals in Lafayette and New Orleans. Their conditions, which are stable, are improving. Deputy Javier, 23, has been employed with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office for the past two years. Deputy Strickland, 24, had just rejoined the Sheriff's Office this month after having worked there in 2011.

"Today, the support of the law enforcement community in the wake of this unimaginable loss was evident," said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent. "The Chiefs, Sheriffs, Troopers and other law enforcement officials in attendance demonstrate that we will grieve together and that we heal together. We will never forget Sergeant Riggenbach's service and sacrifice, and we pray for the healthy recovery of Deputies Javier and Strickland."

Detectives with State Police are continuing to investigate the shooting.