As the country buries the most recent police officers killed in ambush attacks, members of Brevard County’s various police departments are reflecting on the lives lost in Texas and Louisiana.

  • Recent murders of police heightens bonds between law enforcement
  • Officers from FL traveled to pay their respects to Dallas, Baton Rouge
  • "It's part of that 'thin blue line' family," one Brevard officer said

"I wouldn't give it up for anything, it helps put things into focus," said Officer Chris Livingston of the Melbourne Police Honor Guard.

Officer Livingston just returned from Baton Rouge, where three officers were gunned down on July 17.

While there, he participated in two different funerals -- East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Deputy Brad Garafola, and Baton Rouge Police Officer Matthew Gerald.

"It was about a 20 mile processional from the place of service to the burial site," he recalled. "Every bridge was lined with people, draped flags, the roadway was completely lined with supporters. They were appreciative of us being there in their time of need.”

Officer Livingston said the funeral services both had slideshows filled with pictures of each officer and their families.

"It's amazing when you see the different photos, and you recollect how many of those photos you've taken with your family," he said.

Melbourne sent honor guard officers to both Dallas and Baton Rouge to help honor those who were killed.

"No matter how bad things get, we always have each other’s backs," said Livingston. "It's part of that 'thin blue line' family."