Montgomery, LA – Montgomery Assistant Police Chief Kirt Ricks died in the line of duty on Sep. 7, when he lost control of his patrol vehicle, causing a collision.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on U.S. Highway 71, the Louisiana State Police said, according to Town Talk.

Chief Ricks, 24, was traveling northbound in his 2006 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car, when he lost control and drove off the right-hand side of the roadway.

He then overcorrected, sending his vehicle into the southbound lane.

Chief Ricks’ cruiser slammed into an oncoming pickup truck being driven by 65-year-old Gary Pinder.

Pinder and Chief Ricks were not wearing seatbelts, and both died at the scene.

Pinder’s passenger, 58-year-old Robert Carter, was also not wearing a seatbelt, but he sustained only minor injuries.

The Louisiana State Police are handling the ongoing investigation, and toxicology reports are pending, WBRZ reported.

Chief Ricks recently graduated from the Lafourche Police Academy, and had a passion for serving his community and helping others, according to his obituary.

“I believe Officer Ricks’ calling was law enforcement,” Montgomery Police Chief Kerrell Sapp told KALB. “He was dedicated and loyal to his duties as an officer and [was] definitely on his way to being a master in it…loyal to the end.”

“My deepest sympathy goes out to both families involved – Ricks and Pinder families,” Chief Sapp said.

Montgomery Police Officer Robert Richards said that Chief Ricks was instrumental in helping him to begin his own law enforcement career.

“He actually helped me get the job here,” Officer Richards explained. “He spoke with Chief Sapp, and they spoke with the Town, and they got me on. He gave me my first chance at law enforcement.”

Chief Ricks leaves behind his daughter, Stormi, as well as his mother, sisters, brother, grandparents, and many friends and extended family members.

“He was jovial with everyone he met and will be remembered for his constant smile and dedication to those he served,” his obituary read.

"His heart was most definitely in police force,” Montgomery Mayor Susie Waters told KALB. “He loved his job, he loved what he did."

Chief Ricks was laid to rest on Thursday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Montgomery Assistant Police Chief Kirt Ricks, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.