Family, Firefighters Honor Teen Shot And Killed

MT. PLEASANT (KDKA) -- Just like his father and older brother, J.R. Gustafson wanted to be a Mt. Pleasant firefighter. But that dream came to an end in March.

Gustafson, just 13 years old, was shot to death. A 14 year old friend is charged in the case.

Wednesday, J.R.'s parents, surrounded by firefighters and friends, were presented with a special certificate, accepting J.R. as an honorary junior firefighter.

J.R. was recognized by the department he so badly wanted to someday be a part of.

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"It's very hard, but I know J.R. is up there watching us and we love him a lot, we miss him a lot too but we're so happy everybody was here for us," said mother Leah Gustafson.

"It's a day that I'll remember for the rest of my life and my wife will and J.R.'s brother and sisters and the whole family," said father Mark Gustafson.

Although the past few months have been difficult for J.R.'s family, his parents say the outpouring of support has been comforting, especially on some of their darkest days.

"We're truly blessed for everybody that supported us and loves us a lot and [we] appreciate everything," Leah Gustafson said.