COCODRIE — Those who knew St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s deputy Jeremy Triche know he loved his job, his family and fishing.

So when his friends and family wanted a way to remember him, as well as a way to help others, they organized the annual Spots and Dots Fishing Tournament in Cocodrie.

“As much as he loved going down to the camp in Cocodrie to go fishing, so did the rest of his family,” friend and former co-worker Brian Bertrand said. “We wanted to do something to remember him. Though we’re there for a sad reason — we’d love to have Jeremy there fishing with us — we’ve made it a fun time.”

Jeremy Triche was one of two St. John Parish deputies killed in an ambush-style shooting in August, 2012.

Two other deputies were wounded.

His friends and family will celebrate his life and his love for the outdoors Saturday at the third annual fishing tournament at Harbor Lights Marina, 8239 Louisiana 56 in Cocodrie.

The day will include food and fun with music, door prizes, raffles and a live auction.

It’s all about the fish, though.

First, second and third place prizes will be awarded for Speckled Trout and Red Fish, plus heaviest Speckled Trout and heaviest Redfish.

Children 11-under can weigh-in any five fish for a chance to win prizes.

“If you can hook it, catch it and get it in the boat, we’ll weigh it,” Bertrand said.

Adult tickets are $50 per person, meal included. Children 12-16 may fish free with an adult ticket. Children 11-under are admitted free. Each entrant will receive a free T-shirt.

Weigh-ins begin at 11 a.m. at the pavilion.

All proceeds will go to the Jeremy Triche Fallen Hero Foundation, which helps the families of fallen and injured law enforcement personnel in times of need.

“What we’re doing with the funds is very important,” Bertrand said. “We help and support any first responder who is hurt or killed in the line of duty. If they’re hurt and can’t work or receive full pay, they may not be able to pay their bills or things like that. In the case of those who are killed, we’ll help pay bills, help pay for their kids’ education, things like that.”

Jeremy’s mom, Edie Triche, said the event was the idea of her husband, Mike.

“We were trying to come up with a fundraiser and he came up with the idea of a fishing tournament,” Triche said.

She said the event, which has drawn hundreds down the bayou to join the fun, has raised more than $35,000 each year.

“We celebrate Jeremy’s life, but we also help our fallen heroes,” Triche said. “We  honor our law enforcement personnel who are there each year and offer them our support. Jeremy was a person who liked to help others. This is our way of celebrating what he loved to do.”

For more information, visit jeremytrichehero.org or the Spots and Dots Fishing Tournament’s Facebook page or call Mike Triche at 985-212-4313, Edie Triche at 985-212-0601, Brian Bertrand at 504-628-0418 or Jared Triche at 504-235-2815.