ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — An ambulance with Officer Travis Brown, also known as TJ, carried him to the next chapter on Tuesday after he was hospitalized for three months.
Hundreds of first responders were there for one of their own, giving Brown a sendoff as he left for an out-of-state rehabilitation facility.
"The love that's being shown today, it's unparalleled. You can't get any better than this," said Ferguson Public Information Officer Pat Washington.
Behind him, hundreds of first responders carried love and support.
Washington added, "There are at least 30 or 40 departments from across the region that are represented here."
Brown suffered a serious brain injury when he was knocked to the ground during an August protest in Ferguson.
Elijah Gantt, the man accused of shoving Brown, was indicted by a grand jury on Sept. 4 with first-degree assault of a police officer and multiple counts of fourth-degree assault of other police officers in connection with a protest held on the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death.
According to charging documents and video released in the days after the incident, a few people damaged the fence at the police station in the late night hours of Aug. 10, causing police to step in and make arrests. The grand jury indictment alleges Gantt kicked six different police officers while trying to evade arrest. While fleeing police, he allegedly "charged" Brown, knocking him to the ground and leaving him with a serious brain injury.
Ferguson Fire Chief John Hampton was one of many first responders there for Brown's escort to Chesterfield.
"We all have that love for TJ, police and fire is one big entire family. We want to make sure we are supportive for TJ," Hampton added.
From SLU Hospital to Spirit of St. Louis Airport, loved ones stood in unity for Brown's send off to an out-of-state rehab facility.
Family spokesperson Terrence Monroe said Brown woke up six weeks ago.
Monroe said Brown is still not speaking, but cognitively, he's all there. Monroe said Brown will have to relearn many things.
"This was three months ago, so he's going to have to learn, he's going to have to fight. But one thing that we know about TJ, he is a fighter, and I promise you, he's going to make his way back," Monroe added.
When the question about returning to the force came up, Monroe answered by saying it will be a discussion that will need to be had.
"We're believing that he will have that opportunity if he decides to, because, again, we're expecting a full recovery," Monroe added.
As Brown, the father of two little girls, works to rebuild his life, Monroe said they'll carry him through.
"Our first words to him, certainly mine, was, 'We got you,'" Monroe shared.
Monroe talked about the incredible amount of support from the community from prayers and fundraisers.
To donate to Brown's Gofundme, click here.
Gantt has a bond review hearing on Dec. 12.
Gantt's attorney, Ryan Krupp, shared this statement:
“It is important to understand that we are all on the side of Officer Brown’s recovery, health, and wellbeing. He and his family are in all of our prayers.
"There are two undeniable truths in this case; First, that what happened to Officer Brown was a tragic result. Second, that tragic results do not mean tragic intent.
"Elijah is not a monster, a gangster, or a thug. He is a young man who is active in his church and community with a bright smile through an uncertain future. His humanity cannot be defined by analyzing a split second of a perception reaction event which lead to this tragic result.
"Mr. Topping and I will ensure that Elijah sees a full and fierce defense while observing the decency and respect which should be afforded to people on all aisles.”