BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (WTVF) — Friends are remembering Brentwood Police Officer Destin Legieza who was killed in the line of duty.
Officer Legieza was hit and killed in his patrol car on Franklin Road. Ashley Kroese, 24, was charged with vehicular homicide by intoxication according to the district attorney.
A memorial sits outside the Brentwood Police Department to remember Officer Legieza. He was described as everyone’s best friend.
“I just think he was all around the person that everyone should aspire to be. He didn’t see color. He didn’t see anything but who you were as a person, and he would do anything for anyone," Hailey Sawyer said,
Hailey Sawyer, Terry Hogan, and Scott Williams grew up with Destin in Williamson County.
“Never seen one person with this many best friends," said Hogan.
While they are heartbroken, they told NewsChannel 5 they're trying to stay strong for the officer’s wife, Heather.
“Just be there for her and let her know you love her and that his memory will live on,” said Scott Williams.
Williams said Destin wanted to be a police officer his entire life. “We used to make fun of him like ‘Man you’re never going to be able to be a cop' type [of] thing but, man, did he prove us wrong.”
Officers Brent Rowsey, Tim Finney, and Zach Hartman said Destin was a hard worker, and a stand-up officer.
“If any of my family called the police he’s the kind of guy you want to show up," Finney said.
Rowsey said they were also best friends outside of work. The officers all bonded over the Tennessee Titans.
He drove a titan, his dog was named Titan," explained Rowsey.
They all laughed as they remembered a video of Destin running a touchdown at a charity event for special needs children at Nissan Stadium, saying his wife was his biggest fan.
“Because of the Tennessee Titans his legacy will live on," said Rowsey.
If you would like to help the officer’s family, you can make a donation to the memorial fund at any First Horizon bank.
Officer Legieza’s visitation is Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at ClearView Baptist Church. His funeral is Wednesday at ClearView Baptist Church at 2 p.m. and there will be a procession beforehand.
