A "sweet kid" with an imposing frame—at 6'3" and 220 pounds—Police Officer Montrell Jackson wanted to stop the killings and make the streets better and safer for everyone.
However, his lofty objectives were tragically cut short by a hail of bullets from a gunman on Sunday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Jackson, 32, was one of three officers killed by the assassin, 29-year-old Gavin Eugene Long, in what authorities described as a "targeted" attack on law enforcement. Long was subsequently killed at the scene by a SWAT sniper.
Interviewed by PEOPLE, Jackson's uncle Charles Cavalier says the violence that claimed the life of his nephew was in stark contrast to how he lived his life.
"Montrell, he was such a sweet kid," Cavalier says.
Jackson's younger sister Jessica Milligan-Robinson, agrees, saying, "One of his wishes was that we would stop killing period. That's the reason he became a cop. He wanted to make the streets better and safer for everybody. Not just for his sister or for his cousin, but for everybody."
His relatives say Jackson loved being a police officer and being a father. Unfortunately, he missed a milestone when his young son, Mason, turned 4 months old on Monday.
Just nine days before he met his end, Jackson bared his feelings on the mounting racial tension across America with the rash of police shootings of black men.
In a Facebook post, he wrote: "I'm tired physically and emotionally. Disappointed in some family, friends, and officers for some reckless comments but hey what's in your heart is in your heart. I still love you all because hate takes too much energy but I definitely won't be looking at you the same.
"Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me or my wife it was needed and much appreciated. I swear to God I love this city but I wonder if this city loves me. In uniform I get nasty hateful looks and out of uniform some consider me a threat.
"I've experienced so much in my short life and these last 3 days have tested me to the core. When people you know begin to question your integrity you realize they don't really know you at all.
"Look at my actions they speak LOUD and CLEAR.
"Finally I personally want to send prayers out to everyone directly affected by this tragedy. These are trying times. Please don't let hate infect your heart. This city MUST and WILL get better.
"I'm working in these streets, so any protesters, officers, friends, family, or whoever, if you see me and need a hug or want to say a prayer. I got you."
Unfortunately, Jackson could never give that hug or hear a prayer anymore. He left behind a wife and newborn.
