Roussel’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts has created a special sapphire and diamond fleur de lis pendant in honor of slain St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s deputies Jeremy Triche and Brandon Nielsen. The pendant will be raffled off in November with all proceeds going towards the deputies’ families.
In the first three days of the raffle, 500 tickets were sold. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at any Roussel’s location.
Nielsen and Triche were killed while investigating a shooting that took place in the LaPlace parking lot of Valero St. Charles refinery. The two found a car that matched the description of a vehicle used in the shooting and knocked on a trailer to question those inside.
While talking to two men inside the trailer, a third man jumped out and began firing at the deputies.
To honor Nielsen and Triche, Roussel’s created a 14 karat white gold pendant accented with sapphires and diamonds. Adorned at the top are two sapphires symbolizing each officer.
The pendant retails for $2,500. Earl Rodrigue, manager of the LaPlace Roussel’s, said the pendant was created using input from all Roussel’s employees.
“The circle of love symbolizes endless dedication and service to our community. The fleur de lis in the center symbolizes strength holding our community together,” he said. “A graceful memorial ribbon completes the design.”
Rodrigue said he hasn’t seen the local community affected by a tragedy like this since 9/11.
“We’ve been in the River Parishes for over 40 years and I don’t think I’ve seen anything affect our parish like this did since 9/11,” he said. “We witnessed the community embracing the police department 100 percent. We felt that we wanted to do something in honor of the dedication they provided to us…something that we could give to their families.
Tickets are now on sale at the LaPlace (232 Belle Terre Blvd.) Gramercy (330 East Main St.) Boutte (13413 Hwy. 90) and Ponchatoula locations of Roussel’s.
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