Son of Yellowstone Co. sheriff's deputy who died in the line of duty also dies on duty in Arizona | Billing News

GILA RIVER, Ariz. – In tragic news, a Gila River Police Department officer from Billings was killed in the line of duty early this morning.

Officer Joshua Briese was the son of former Yellowstone County Sheriff's Deputy David Briese, who also died in the line of duty.

According to the Gila River Police Department (GRPD), around 2 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, the Gila River Public Safety Department received an emergency call regarding a disturbance at a home in the Gila River Indian Community .

GRPD officers, including Officer Joshua Briese, worked to address the disturbance involving a large crowd. In doing so, GRPD says multiple shots were fired and two GRPD officers were struck by the gunfire, along with four other people at the scene.

The injured were immediately transported to local hospitals where, according to GRPD, Briese died from his injuries.

The second injured officer remains in serious but stable condition and at least one other person was also pronounced dead, according to GRPD.

Officer Joshua Briese had been with GRPD less than a year and was still in field training.

GRPD expressed its condolences and said its hearts and prayers are with the officers, their families and everyone affected by this tragic incident.

GRPD says it is currently working with the FBI to conduct a joint investigation into this incident and more information will be released to the public as the investigation continues.

NonStop Local KULR 8 previously spoke with Josh Briese as a high school senior at Billings West High School. Briese spoke about his memory of his father who died Nov. 3, 2006, in a car accident while responding to help another deputy. Josh was only 6 years old at the time.

Josh had moved with his brother, mother, and stepfather to Rapid City, South Dakota. He didn't say more, but at age 16, he decided to break free and return to Billings to finish high school at Billings West.

He decided to start over and try to fend for himself while working to live on his own and finish school – and ultimately follow in his father's footsteps into law enforcement.

Josh's father had started his own career in law enforcement at the Yellowstone County Detention Center. Josh told us he often remembers his father as he works hard to follow in his footsteps.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office also took the time to express their grief and condolences on social media following the tragic news of Josh's death.