Bruce St. Laurent: Jupiter officers, community devastated by loss, remember 'generous' friend

JUPITER, Fla. - As the investigation unravels and more details surface surrounding the death of Jupiter Police Officer Bruce St. Laurent, the community he served is trying to come to grips with his passing.

There was a constant flow of people who stopped by police headquarters where they dropped off flowers, lit candles and left behind kind words out of respect.

Those close to St. Laurent pushed back tears as they struggled with the reality of losing their friend.

"Disbelief," said friend Charlie Murphy who choked up when describing his emotions.

Murphy would see St. Laurent at the Jupiter Ale House always sitting in the same spot, always with a smile that was contagious to the room.

"An officer and a gentleman who cared about his community, that's it," said Murphy.

St. Laurent was killed Sunday night after being hit by a truck while blocking the road for President Obama's motorcade.

Friends said St. Laurent had just won a tough bout with cancer and was back on the road where he belonged.

"He wasn't a cop, he was a friend and he saved our streets and God took him doing what he did best," said Athena Avendano, a family friend.

It was St. Laurent's work on and off the street the inspired others to follow in his foot steps.

"He would go out of his way personally to help somebody, no matter what it meant to help somebody. Didn't matter what was going on, he'd just be out there helping somebody," said Gene Weiner, a Jupiter Police Explorer.

Others, who passed by the car St. Laurent used, touched it as a way to be close to the one they lost.

"We're going to miss him," said Murphy. "We're going to miss him big time."

Jupiter Police have not released the details for a funeral or service.