LIVINGSTON, La. — The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of Deputy Eddie "Bren" Melson, who died Tuesday after suffering a possible cardiac event while working courthouse security.
Sheriff Jason Ard announced Melson's passing in a social media post, expressing heartbreak over the unexpected loss. The deputy collapsed while on duty and was surrounded by his law enforcement colleagues at the time of his death.
Melson's daughter, Carolyn, described her father's coworkers as his "second family" and said that despite the suddenness of his passing, he died doing what he loved most.
Melson first joined the Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office as a reserve deputy in the 1990s, serving until 2005 before leaving to operate his own business. He returned to law enforcement in 2017 to work in courthouse security.
Sheriff Ard remembered Melson as someone who consistently maintained a positive attitude and lifted others up, regardless of his own circumstances. The deputy was known for frequently calling the sheriff with ideas about serving the community better.
Beyond his law enforcement career, Melson was an active member of Christ's Community Church and served as president of his Blue Knights club. He enjoyed camping and antique cars, but his greatest source of pride was his two children, Carolyn and Bren.
Carolyn Melson said her father was an amazing man and that she will forever be grateful to have had him as a father.
Sheriff Ard pledged that the department would honor Melson's memory by continuing the work he was passionate about: protecting and serving the residents of Livingston Parish.
