Bruce St. Laurent: Jupiter honoring officer killed while serving in President Obama's motorcade

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Officers with the Jupiter Police Department are honoring a fallen officer Monday  after he was killed Sunday afternoon on I-95 when his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle.

Officer Bruce St. Laurent was riding in a motorcade as President Barack Obama was on his way to the Palm Beach County Convention Center when he was struck by a vehicle, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Teri Barbera.

The sheriff's office said St. Laurent had his emergency lights on while crossing several lanes of traffic as he entered the southbound on ramp from 45th Street. He planned  to stop traffic from entering the interstate.

PBSO says he moved into the path of Susan Holloway who was driving a 1994 Ford F150. The impact caused him to be ejected and then he was caught underneath Holloway’s vehicle. The sheriff's office said she tried to avoid the crash by slamming on her brakes.

He was rushed to St. Mary's Medical Center where he later died.

Officers Monday morning placed St. Laurent's patrol vehicle in front of the department, decorating it with black banners and a single rose. A small memorial with candles and a photo was also set up where visitors can pay their respects to St. Laurent.

St. Laurent lived in Jupiter since 1973 and was an officer there for 20 years -- 18 of those he was a motorcycle officer.

St. Laurent's fellow officers say he went beyond his duties as a police officer to help the community, and has received several awards including "Officer of the Year."

"It's a big loss to our unit. To the department. Also, working with Bruce. Bruce was a mentor. Especially with the unit," said officer Demetrius Fauntleroy. "For me, being there with him, and actually have an opportunity to be there with him, during the incident, during that time ... it meant a lot."

President Obama was notified of the tragedy by the U.S. Secret Service, Pascarella said.

Late Sunday evening the U.S. Secret Service issued the following statement: “The Secret Service extends their deepest sympathies to the officer’s family and to the Jupiter Police Department.”

The accident happened around 4:45 p.m. and is under investigation.

President Obama spoke Sunday afternoon to supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach.

An account has been set up for the officer's family. Click here for information: http://leafpbc.org/