NIELSEN

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Brandon J. Nielsen, 34, husband, father, stepfather, son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and hero to many, has taken his final ride. He went 10-7 on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 in line of duty as a sheriff’s deputy in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Destined to be an officer of the law, Brandon knew from the age of 6 he wanted to be like Ponch and John from the TV Show “CHiPs.” Born in Torrance, Calif., on Sept. 14, 1977, he moved to Louisiana at the age of 10. At the age of 16, he served as Master Councilor of DeMolay, New Orleans Concorde Chapter. He graduated from John Ehret High School in 1995. At the age of 20 he realized his dream and began his career in law enforcement and found his niche as a “motor man” — a motorcycle patrolman. He served in many parishes throughout the area, including Jefferson, St. Charles and St. John. With his beloved bike, Brandon escorted many weddings and funerals across the area, as well as presidential details. He also enjoyed competing against other motor men in various motorcycle rodeos, where he would “make it do what it do.”

Survivors include his wife, Daniell; daughters: Gabrielle, 13, and Lily, 6; stepsons: Tyler, 18, Cody, 16, and Jared, 13; his parents: Steve and Wendy Nielsen; sister, Jillayne Nielsen; niece, JayLynn Nielsen; his grandmother, Kathleen Cameron; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and Brothers in Blue.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Jack Cameron, who was dear to him as well as Grandpa Ken.

He and fellow deputy, Jeremy Triche are among eight fallen officers in St. John Parish.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemeteries, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. followed by a graveside service at 1 p.m. at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery. A repast will be held at the Jerusalem Shrine Temple, 1940 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan, beginning at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the families may be made at www.louisiana fcu.org. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com