Bay St. Louis officers killed in line of duty receive memorial

A year ago today, tragedy struck when Sergeant Steven Robin and Officer Branden Estorffe were killed in the line of duty.

The city is honoring their memory in Bay St. Louis

“I’m honored to know that my son will be remembered for eternity for the actions that he did that morning,” said Ian Estorffe, Officer Branden Estroffe’s father.

A year has come and gone since Sergeant Robin and Officer Estorffe’s end of watch, and a lot has changed in the community, including a new police station that the two will not see, but forever be a part of.

The officers have earned a Hancock County Heritage Star, an honor given to people who have significantly impacted Hancock County.

Tish Williams, executive director of Hancock Chamber, explains, “It is so important for us to recognize these officers because they are the ones who are making our citizens feel safe and they have put their lives on the line for our citizens.”

The men’s badge numbers will also be retired.

For the Estorffe family, these stars represent Officer Branden Estorffe’s story, ensuring that generations to come understand that he was a policeman willing to give the ultimate sacrifice.

“I hope that having these start here in front of the PD kind of softens the hearts of people who only find the bad in law enforcement, because obviously for us being a law enforcement family,” said his mother, Heather Estorffe. “It’s a daily battle of making sure your loved ones come home safely.”

Mayor Mike Favre says the community has grieved this loss, and creating this memorial has been an act of love for the families.

“I think it’s going to show the unity we have in our city,” Favre said. “The support that our police department has. I think it’s going to allow our residents to be a part of our police department… bring them together.”

Sergeant Steven Robin and Officer Branden Estorffe have left their mark on Bay St. Louis.

“Hopefully, police for generations to come will remember the bravery and the actions that they did,” said Ian Estorffe. “…and they will be remembered as heroes.”