PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Some local law enforcement officers went the extra mile to lift up the family of a fallen officer Wednesday night, bringing them some holiday cheer during an otherwise difficult holiday season.
Port St. Lucie Police Officer Steve Brown died unexpectedly and suddenly this summer from a heart attack. He was 40-years-old.
He leaves behind his wife, Maria, and two young children.
With lights and sirens filling their neighborhood streets, the Blue Knights joined Port St. Lucie Police and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office to escort Santa to the Brown family’s home.
Both children were showered with presents as dozens of people watched them rip presents apart on their driveway.
“He was my best friend. He was the best man in my wedding,” said Officer Raphael Lushbaugh.
It has been only six months since Brown passed away.
“I was just crushed, I just couldn’t believe it,” Lushbaugh said.
Everyone’s priority was making sure Maria and her children still feel supported.
“Just to know they have a family beyond their immediate family. The family in blue sticks together through everything. We’ll never give up on them,” Lushbaugh said.
Maria loved seeing her children’s excitement.
“They feel super loved,” she said.
The Blue Knights also presented Maria with a $2500 check.
“It’s just amazing to know that I could just pick up the phone and just call any one of them and they’re so supportive,” Maria said. “He was an amazing, loving, big-hearted person... He would do anything to help anyone and he loved his family very much.”
“He’s looking down and he’s still with us,” Lushbaugh said.