VIDEO: Officer McKeithen’s family speaks out for the first time since his death

BILOXI, MS (WLOX) - After Officer Robert McKeithen was gunned down and killed in what police are calling an ambush, family members are speaking out after losing their loved one.

Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen served the city for 24 years before being killed Sunday... — Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen served the city for 24 years before being killed Sunday night outside the police department.(Photo source: Biloxi Police Dept.)

Robert McKeithen’s wife, his stepsons and their wives sat down with Biloxi Police Chief John Miller.

His wife, Pamela McKeithen, thanked the community and her husband’s fellow police officers for their support in this difficult time.

Watch the full conversation with McKeithen’s family below.

A conversation with the McKeithen Family
"He really was living the dream, his dream that he envisioned for himself.”
Posted by City of Biloxi on Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Family members say some knew him as Bob and others called him Mac, and he took great pride in serving and protecting the citizens of Biloxi. McKeithen was described as a family man and someone who made a friend out of everyone.

[ ‘A sad day for the City of Biloxi’: 24-year veteran of Biloxi Police identified as officer killed in shooting ]

“Besides his family, that was his life; he loved it," Pamela said. “He took meticulous care of his uniforms. He would say don’t touch it. I’ve got this. He would make sure everything was in its place on his uniform. He would iron it everyday, shine his boots. It was meticulous, and that’s the way he wanted it.”

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Stepson Logan Grundel went on to thank the community for the support his family has received in the wake of this tragedy.

“The Biloxi Police Department, they’ve shown more support than I ever could have dreamed that they could have done. It’s really kind of amazing," he said. "I just didn’t think there would be so many people involved and helping us and just somebody there every step of the way. Somebody’s always standing next to you in the Biloxi Police Department, and I know other law enforcement agencies were involved and I don’t want to skip over them, but the Biloxi Police Department definitely helped a lot and made it so much easier on my family and myself to finally lay Robert to rest.”

[ Thin Blue Line: Outpouring of support for Officer McKeithen and City of Biloxi in wake of shooting ]

Funeral services for Officer McKeithen will be held this Monday, May 13 at First Baptist Church in Biloxi. The visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the service to follow. Burial will follow after the service Biloxi National Cemtery.