THE ISIA OU NA L EMBERSH M IP Y P R R A O

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E ST 94 AB 19 S LISHED ’ HERIFFS

The Official Publication of Louisiana's Chief Law Enforcement Officers

WINTER ISSUE DECEMBER 2018 Pohlmann, Rives, and Barran’s Bears: Stone Honored by Helping Kids, Louisiana State One Smile at a Time Penitentiary Museum By Lauren Labbé Meher, Communications Director, LSA by Lauren Labbé Meher, Communications Director, LSA

his summer, two Louisiana Sheriffs and one former Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association executive director were Thonored by the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum. St. Bernard Parish Sheriff Jimmy Pohlmann and Lincoln Parish Sheriff Mike Stone were among seven highly distinguished individuals chosen this year to be inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame. continued on page 3

Sgt. B. Barrington makes his debut as the new mascot of Barran’s Bears. Photo courtesy of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office uring Jefferson Parish Deputy Turner Barran’s earliest years in law enforcement, he always carried around Dteddy bears. First responders often use the bears when dealing with traumatic adult situations (like domestic violence issues) with children present. The two deputies will often split up with one handling the situation at hand, while the other comforts the children. A single teddy bear can provide a welcome distraction from an otherwise intense scene, while also serving as a familiar and friendly link between a deputy and a child. Who knew that one tiny bear could spark a powerful mission St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James “Jimmy” Pohlmann and Lincoln Parish Sheriff Mike Stone were among seven inducted into the and an ever-growing chain of kindness? But that’s exactly what Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Justice Hall of Fame. In addition happened in 2016 after Barran met Mr. Frank Labarre. to these inductees, Ruel B. “Bucky” Rives Jr. posthumously received When 80-year-old Frank Labarre fell and injured his face, the Louisiana Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award. Inductees Deputy Barran took the medical call. Mr. Labarre had to go front row from left to right: Annelle Rives, wife of Bucky Rives, Major to the hospital via ambulance, and as always, Barran followed General Joanne F. Sheridan, Louisiana National Guard; Sheriff James up on Labarre in the hospital with a get-well card. Labarre’s “Jimmy” Pohlmann, St. Bernard Parish; C.M. Marty Lensing, Warden, daughter thanked him, and asked how they could help? The East Baton Rouge Parish. Second row from left to right: Rev. Charles E. Guillory, Avoyelles Parish; Sheriff Mike Stone, Lincoln Parish. chain of kindness was set in motion. One small gesture to continued on page 3 Sheriffs’ educational scholarship recipients announced ouisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program Membership Program. They are awarded to students from Chairman Greg Champagne, St. Charles Parish Sheriff, each parish where the sheriff is affiliated with the Program. Lannounced that seventy graduating high school While some sheriffs divide the $500 scholarship into two, seniors have been awarded scholarships provided by the $250 scholarships, other sheriffs enhance scholarship benefits Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program for the 2018-2019 academic to larger denominations with funds they provide themselves. school year. To obtain information about the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Sheriffs’ scholarships, worth $500 each, are made possible Scholarship Program, contact your local Sheriff’s Office. by the citizen members of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary

ACADIA PARISH CALCASIEU PARISH LAFOURCHE PARISH ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH Sheriff K.P. Gibson Sheriff Tony Mancuso Sheriff Craig Webre Sheriff Michael Tregre Recipient: Benjamin Christian Recipient: Caleb Maddox Recipient: Ethan Naquin Recipient: Jared Hymel Doughty CALDWELL PARISH LASALLE PARISH ST. LANDRY PARISH Sheriff Clay Bennett Sheriff Scott Franklin ALLEN PARISH Sheriff Bobby Guidroz Sheriff Douglas L. Hebert, III Recipient: Samantha Lee Dollar Recipients: Michaela Hulsey Recipient: Connor Crow Recipient:: Crystlanne Tichy CAMERON PARISH Daniel Wesson ASCENSION PARISH Sheriff Ronald Johnson LINCOLN PARISH ST. MARTIN PARISH Sheriff Jeff Wiley Recipient: Maeleigh Beth Conner Sheriff Mike Stone Sheriff Ronny Theriot Recipient: Brianna Glover Recipients: Emma-Claire Recipient: Ahni Calais CATAHOULA PARISH Stephenson ASSUMPTION PARISH Sheriff Toney Edwards ST. MARY PARISH Sheriff Leland Falcon Recipients: Zoey Deville LIVINGSTON PARISH Sheriff Blaise Smith Recipient: Alayna Phyllis Guillot Christian Carter Sheriff Jason Ard Recipient: Anna Grace Landry Recipient: Nicole Racquel Johnson AVOYELLES PARISH CLAIBORNE PARISH ST. TAMMANY PARISH Sheriff Doug Anderson Sheriff Ken Bailey MADISON PARISH Recipient: Marlee C. Ducot Recipients: Carrie Driskill Sheriff Larry Cox Sheriff Randy Smith Recipient: Grady Spencer Sevier Recipient: Kenneth Bruhl BEAUREGARD PARISH Alex Furlow Sheriff Ricky Moses CONCORDIA PARISH MOREHOUSE PARISH TANGIPAHOA PARISH Recipient: Katherine Camillia Sheriff Kenneth Hedrick Sheriff Mike Tubbs Sheriff Daniel Edwards Greenmun Recipient: Thomas G. Mason Recipient: Hope Christine Recipient: Kamryn Murphy Lindeman BIENVILLE PARISH DESOTO PARISH NATCHITOCHES PARISH TENSAS PARISH Sheriff John Ballance Sheriff Jayson Richardson Sheriff Rickey Jones Recipient:: Olivia Prado Recipient: Bonnie Claire Woods Sheriff Victor Jones Recipient: Matthew MacKenzie Recipients: Clayton Head BOSSIER PARISH EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH Nelson Duncan M. Miller Sheriff Julian C. Whittington Sheriff Sid Gautreaux ORLEANS PARISH Aly Guthrie Recipient: Brianna Rogers Recipient: Talbot Wayne Myers Daniels Sheriff Marlin Gusman TERREBONNE PARISH CADDO PARISH Recipient: Unavailable at press time EAST CARROLL PARISH Sheriff Jerry Larpenter Sheriff Steve Prator OUACHITA PARISH Recipient: Cameron Michael Jones Sheriff Wydette Williams Recipient: Alexander Neil Recipient: BreJanae Im`Unique Sheriff Jay Russell Recipient: Justin Chelette UNION PARISH Taylor Sheriff Dusty Gates LOUISIANA PLAQUEMINES PARISH EAST FELICIANA PARISH Sheriff Gerald Turlich Recipient: Landon Taylor Millsap Sheriff Jeff Travis Recipient: Taylor Bergeron SHERIFF Recipient: Myles Wesley Simmons VERMILION PARISH The Publication of Louisiana’s Sheriff Mike Couvillon Chief Law Enforcement Officers POINTE COUPEE PARISH EVANGELINE PARISH Sheriff Beauregard “Bud” Torres Recipient: Kenyon Bessard Sheriff Eddie Soileau WINTER ISSUE DECEMBER 2018 Recipient: Kathryn Langland Recipient: Dreu Benjamin Fontenot VERNON PARISH RAPIDES PARISH Publisher FRANKLIN PARISH Sheriff Sam Craft Louisiana Sheriffs’ Educational Foundation Sheriff William Earl Hilton Recipient: Sloane E. Labrorde Sheriff Kevin Cobb Recipient:: Malesa Sinnasone Executive Advisors Recipient: Mary Elizabeth Gravelle Executive Director RED RIVER PARISH WASHINGTON PARISH Michael A. Ranatza GRANT PARISH Sheriff Randy Seal Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Sheriff Glen Edwards Sheriff Steven McCain Recipients: Carmie Nicole Williams Recipient: Joshua Gubert Assistant Executive Director Recipient: Alan Fitts Sheriff Gary Bennett (Ret.) Caty Mahfouz WEBSTER PARISH Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association IBERIA PARISH RICHLAND PARISH Sheriff Gary Sexton Sheriff Louis Ackal Editor Sheriff Gary Gilley Recipient: Mallori LyShae Smith Director, Communications and Public Affairs Recipient: Rhett Faucheaux Recipient: Rona Leann Franks Lauren Labbé Meher WEST BATON ROUGE PARISH IBERVILLE PARISH SABINE PARISH Executive Board of Directors Sheriff Mike Cazes Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program Sheriff Brett Stassi Sheriff Ronny Richardson Louisiana Sheriffs’ Educational Foundation Recipients: Zoe Catherine Bertrand Recipient: Unavailable at press Recipients: Alexander Spencer Chairman TaMarcus Fair time Makayla Lacy Sheriff Greg Champagne, St. Charles Parish JACKSON PARISH ST. BERNARD PARISH WEST CARROLL PARISH Secretary Treasurer Sheriff Andy Brown Sheriff Bud Torres, Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann Sheriff Jerry Philley Sheriff Brett Stassi, Iberville Parish Recipient: Aloyna Lewis Recipient: Caylee Elizabeth Elder Recipients: Lacey Dupre Sheriff Mark Garber, Lafayette Parish JEFFERSON PARISH Sheriff Tony Mancuso, Calcasieu Parish ST. CHARLES PARISH Alyssa Womack Sheriff Joe Lopinto Sheriff Greg Champagne Sheriff Jeff Wiley, Ascension Parish WEST FELICIANA PARISH Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, East Baton Rouge Parish Recipient: Jared Ryan Brodtmann Recipient: Phillip Cheramie Sheriff Austin Daniel LOUISIANA SHERIFF is the official publication of the Louisiana JEFFERSON DAVIS PARISH ST. HELENA PARISH Recipient: Ciara Diamond Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program and Louisiana Sheriffs’ Sheriff Ivy Woods Sheriff Nathaniel “Nat” Williams Educational Foundation and is made possible by contributing Rose Peters members. It is distributed to members, statewide sheriffs, Recipient: Tanner Joseph Manuel Recipient: Kyla Shamitrion Bryant criminal justice professionals and policy makers. LAFAYETTE PARISH ST. JAMES PARISH WINN PARISH POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Sheriff Mark Garber Sheriff Willy Martin Sheriff Cranford Jordan LOUISIANA SHERIFF 1175 Nicholson Drive, Suite 101 Recipient: Kaylee Alexis Luquette Recipient: Brennan Ryan Tramonte Recipient: Thomas Baylee Vines Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Your local sheriff will be happy to provide information regarding the 2019 Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program. 2 LOUISIANA SHERIFF BARRAN’S BEARS, continued from front cover acknowledge the other. Mr. Labarre placed a single cardboard return kindness through a single cardboard box. Here the ever- box in his Metairie tire shop with a sign that read, “Please growing chain of kindness comes full circle as Barran’s Bears donate new and gently used bears.” Out of this gesture, created the “Frank Labarre Wings of Kindness” scholarship Barran’s Bears was born. in his honor. Every year a $1,000 scholarship will be given to At first this box enabled Deputy Barran to provide his one Louisiana student who exemplifies the compassion and squad with teddy bears, then the entire Jefferson Parish caring that Mr. Labarre was known for. Sheriff’s Office, then surrounding parishes. Now the program, Through Deputy Turner Barran’s efforts, and with the a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has worked with law enforcement help of Barran’s Bears Ambassadors, the chain of kindness officers and first responders across the country. Over 4,000 will continue to grow as they fulfill their mission to help kids, bears have been collected and distributed. All with a mission one smile at a time. For more information on Barran’s Bears to make the world a better place by bringing children, law visit: BarransBearsInc.com. To see how the community is enforcement, and first responders closer together. recognizing Deputy Turner Barran, please see the “Heart of Several Louisiana sheriff’s offices have partnered with Law Enforcement” story on page 15. the program including Jefferson, Lafourche, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. James, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa. The bears are provided by the non-profit free of charge, the organization’s only request is that officers share their stories and pictures when bears are used so that they may be used on the Barran’s Bears social media page. The program’s expansion continued with the help of Barran’s five-year-old daughter Scarlett who wanted to “help mommies stay warm and help kids feel safe” while living in a shelter. The “Scarlett’s Blankets and Bears” program provides blankets to shelters for women and children who are fleeing from domestic violence. One of the newest additions to the family is Sgt. B. Barrington, a full-sized bear mascot who will be used for a more interactive education experience for the National Night Out Against Crime event and for other school and community events. Sadly, Mr. Frank Labarre passed away before he had the opportunity to see what has become of his humble effort to

Sheriff Jerry Turlich of Plaquemines Parish partners with Barran’s Bears. From left to right: Jefferson Parish Deputy and Barran’s Bears An assortment of Barran’s Bears used to help children realize that Founder, Turner Barran, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Jerry Turlich, they have trusted friends that can truly assist them in times of need. and Deputy Kevin Alario, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Photo courtesy of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Photo courtesy of Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office

POHLMANN, RIVES, AND STONE, continued from front cover This award recognizes the men and women of Louisiana Orleans Parish; Major General Joanne F. Sheridan, Vernon who serve their community and state in the honorable Parish. professions of law enforcement, judiciary, and related fields In addition to these awards, former executive director including governmental services, corrections, education, of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, the late Bucky Rives communications/media, victim services, volunteers, Jr., was awarded posthumously the Louisiana State Police sponsors and community activists. The other inductees Museum Foundation Board of Directors’ “Louisiana Law included The Honorable John Bel Edwards, Governor Enforcement Officer of the Year” award. His wife, Annelle of Louisiana; Reverend Charles E. Guillory, Pastor and Rives accepted the award In Memoriam of her late husband. Teacher, Avoyelles Parish; C.M. “Marty” Lensing, Warden All inductees have an exhibit in the museum for one and Professor, East Baton Rouge Parish; The Honorable year, which then becomes a permanent display with all of Helena Nancy Moreno, Louisiana State Representative, the previous inductees. LOUISIANA SHERIFF 3 Sheriffs Elect 2018-2019 Board at Annual Meeting By Lauren Labbé Meher, Communications Director, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association n July 31, 2018 the Louisiana President Sheriff Craig Webre Lafourche Parish Sheriffs’ Association elected First Vice President Sheriff Julian Whittington Bossier Parish Otheir 2018-2019 Executive Second Vice President Sheriff Jason Ard Livingston Parish Board and Committee, during their Secretary-Treasurer Sheriff Brett Stassi Iberville Parish annual conference. During the meeting, Sergeant at Arms Sheriff Kevin Cobb Franklin Parish 1st District Sheriff Randy Smith St. Tammany Parish the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Alternate Sheriff Joe Lopinto Jefferson Parish Membership Program also recognized 2nd District Sheriff Marlin Gusman Orleans Parish East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid 3rd District Sheriff Leland Falcon Assumption Parish Gautreaux, and West Feliciana Sheriff Alternate Vacant Austin Daniel for their performances 4th District Sheriff Sam Craft Vernon Parish in the 2018 Acquisition and Renewal Alternate Sheriff Glen Edwards Red River Parish Campaign. Sheriff Gautreaux holds the 5th District Sheriff Jay Russell Ouachita Parish distinction of generating the highest Alternate Sheriff Wydette Williams East Carroll Parish parish revenue in this year’s campaign, 6th District Sheriff Steven McCain Grant Parish Alternate Sheriff Clay Bennett Caldwell Parish and Sheriff Daniel received the highest 7th District Sheriff Sid Gautreaux East Baton Rouge Parish percentage response rate. Alternate Sheriff Daniel Edwards Tangipahoa Parish The Louisiana Sheriffs’ 8th District Sheriff Doug Hebert Allen Parish Association’s newly elected officers and Alternate Sheriff Ivy Woods Jefferson Davis Parish board members will serve until July 9th District Sheriff Jeff Travis East Feliciana Parish 2019, and they include: Alternate Sheriff Mike Tregre St. John the Baptist Parish St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office and CloudGavel receive public/private partnership innovation award By Col. Sid Berthelot, St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office n February 7, 2018, the St. James Parish Sheriff’s The dedication of St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office to helping Office and CloudGavel, LLC, were presented with make solutions like CloudGavel available to the law enforcement Othe Honorable Mention for the 2018 Integrated Justice community in Louisiana and beyond is worthy of this recognition. Information System Institute (IJIS) Innovation Award. This Sheriff Willy Martin has always been a huge proponent award is given to private/public partnerships that work to further of supporting local businesses. Because of the unwavering the sharing of information among the various groups involved in support shown by local leaders like Sheriff Martin, Louisiana’s the Criminal Justice System. CloudGavel has become the nation’s leading Electronic Warrant The IJIS Institute is a nationally recognized organization that Solution with more than 7000 users throughout five states. seeks to help the various entities involved in the Criminal Justice For CloudGavel, the partnership with local agencies like St. System collaborate, share information and improve their day James Parish Sheriff’s Office has been the driving force behind to day operations by helping implement new technology based the dedication to making its Electronic Warrant Solution the best solutions for the various challenges faced by these agencies. The it can be. The team of programmers, developers, administrators IJIS Institute was originally started in 1999 by the United States and account managers have put Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and Bureau their all into this application. of Justice Assistance as the Industry Working Group. In 2001, The 2018 Innovation Award – the IJIS was established as a nonprofit corporation and began Honorable Mention is a great focusing its mission on “…having a single voice of industry in honor and recognition. the development of new standards and practices in the justice, “It is truly a great honor for public safety, and homeland security sectors.” More information our efforts with CloudGavel on IJIS can be found at www.IJIS.org to be recognized by a group From the very beginning of the development of Electronic like the IJIS Institute. This Warrant Software for use in the State of Louisiana, the St. reinforces to us how important James Parish Sheriff’s Office has been a partner and proponent it is for us to be such close of the software. From the early days of development, St. James partners with agencies like V.P. of Sales and Marketing for Parish Sheriff’s Office has beta tested the various versions of the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Cloud Gavel, Casey Roussel, the application, piloted new programs and been a consistent Office,” said Casey Roussel, presents Sheriff Martin with 2018 source of ideas for improvements and additional development. CloudGavel LLC. IJIS Institute Innovation Award.

4 LOUISIANA SHERIFF Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office to Direct the North Delta Training Academy: Builds New Training Facility By Glenn Springfield, Public Information Officer, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office he Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) recently accepted the responsibility of directing the operations Tof the North Delta Training Academy. The Academy is responsible for training 12 Sheriff’s Offices and 44 other law enforcement agencies in the North Delta area. To house the academy, OPSO has built a new state of the art facility, including a track, located on the grounds of the OPSO Rifle Range. The facility will allow all training, including firearms and PT, to be held at one location for the first time in the history of the North Delta Training Academy. Classrooms are equipped with individual computer access for each cadet. A driving simulator and a shooting scenario simulator are being added soon to further enhance training. The OPSO Citizen Academy and the summer Youth and Teen Cadet Academies will be held at the facility along with other planned events in the future. A variety of public, corporate and private funding sources worked together to cover the construction, furnishings and technology costs associated with the undertaking. “The new Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office-North Delta Training Academy will greatly enhance the training of new Cadets participating in PT at the North Delta Training Academy’s deputies and police officers in our region,” said Sheriff Jay Russell. new facility. Photo Courtesy of Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Cadets at the North Delta Training Academy during the Presentation of the Colors held each morning before class begins. Photo Courtesy of Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. LOUISIANA SHERIFF 5 Sheriff Turlich Fights Recidivism at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center By Lieutenant Chaun Domingue, Public Information Officer, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office he Plaquemines Parish Detention Center (PPDC), an additional three under the administration of Sheriff Gerald A. Turlich being processed. TJr., has instituted four programs to counter recidivism The PPDC also among inmates. began offering high The Southeastern Regional Re-Entry Program began at school curriculum the PPDC which includes a 100-hour curriculum to prepare to assist inmates in inmates for reentry into society by educating with classes, such receiving their GED. as problem solving and decision making, anger management, As of March 1st, six victim awareness, employment skills, job placement, money inmates graduated management, and more. to receive their high As of March 1st, thirty-four inmates have participated in the school diploma with Transitional Work Program with eight inmates being released 29 inmates currently PPSO Certified Teacher, Richard Means, and all eight were offered employment by their respective taking classes. conducting GED class. Photo courtesy of employer. PPSO currently has 10 inmates in the program with PPDC also offers Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. a 12-week Substance Abuse & Counseling Program for drug and alcohol addiction. This program is accredited by the Louisiana Department of Corrections and is also utilized by the Plaquemines Parish Drug Court. As of March 1st, twenty-four inmates have graduated from the program with 26 inmates currently participating in the program. “We will continue to enhance our commitment to the (L-R) Anthony Vullo, Keenan Dufauchard, Chris Moses, Celeste criminal justice system by providing educational programs to Harvey, Wilfred Antoine, Bernadette Wallace, Sharon Young, Artemus our inmates to prepare for their impending transition back into McFarland, Captain Byron Williams. Photo courtesy of society in an effort to reduce recidivism,” says Sheriff Turlich. Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office opens Hickley M. Waguespack Center and Community Park By Allison B. Hudson, Public Information Officer, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office ickley M. Waguespack Center and Community Park “Incidents of violent crime in the St. Patrick Street area officially opened to the community of Donaldsonville over the last several years motivated me to plan a substation Hon September 16, 2017. “We named it after a very there, an idea that evolved to include basketball courts and the special person,” Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief park,” said Sheriff Jeff Wiley. Deputy Bobby Webre said, “Hickley Waguespack, who was a former sheriff from 1948-1972. A great man and a great sheriff through the Civil Rights Movement. He was ahead of his time.” The substation was a two-year project, as the Sheriff’s Office repaired and renovated a 1,900-square-foot, free- standing building on the old school campus of West Ascension, poured a parking lot, and put in new outdoor basketball courts adjacent to the building, with bleachers shaded by a large live oak tree. Volunteer students and alumni with the LSU Community Pictured is Staff Sergeant Mike Brooks, Ssgt. Chaize Roubique, Playground Project helped design and build two parks on the Sheriff Wiley, members of the Waguespack family, Lt. Brandon Guy, large grassy field next to the substation, which has a resource and Captain Darryl Smith. Photo Courtesy of Ascension Parish center for programs for children and youth. Sheriff’s Office. 6 LOUISIANA SHERIFF St. John the Baptist Sheriff Mike Tregre Establishes new Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club By Angel Thompson, Public Relations, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office vision of St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike leaders of St. John,” Sheriff Tregre said. Several St. John Parish Tregre became a reality when the sheriff’s office officers volunteered to serve as mentors to guide young men in A kicked off its new Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club. building traits of good character that will prepare them to be Starting a mentoring program for young men in the parish has productive members of society as well as assist these young been on the sheriff’s agenda for a few years. men in obtaining skills needed to become positive influences “This type of program is desperately needed in our parish in the community. These skills are being introduced and to keep our young men on the right track of being great future reinforced through lessons, experiences, and interactions that deepen and broaden their knowledge to become distinguished gentlemen. Church and other community leaders also assist with the program, which began with a meet and greet for mentors and students from local high schools to get acquainted. Among the highlights of the program were Distinguished Gentlemen members planning and serving their mothers dinner for Valentine’s Day, attending a New Orleans Pelicans basketball game, and learning how to change a flat tire, check the oil and battery, and perform other basic vehicle maintenance. Mentors also regularly meet with members to discuss school, extracurricular activities, setting goals, and making a realistic plan for their future. Kyree Thorne practices his arm-hand steadiness to bring drinks to a table to prepare for a Valentine’s dinner St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office’s The St. John Sheriff’s Office is currently Distinguished Gentlemen planned for special women in their lives. Photo courtesy planning the Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club for of St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. the 2019-20 school year. Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office addresses litter problems By Sheriff Steven McCain, Grant Parish Louisiana is arguably one of the most naturally beautiful states in the U.S., and the inexcusable amount of litter through it has led to at least one parish to try to make things a lot cleaner on the home front. On April 19, 2018, the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office announced they were trying to clean up the garbage in Grant Parish. Sheriff Steven McCain said an inmate crew picks up an average of 200 pounds of litter per day in Grant Parish— the result of tons of people, choosing not to use the public dumpster system and instead tossing their garbage into ditches and along roadsides. McCain referred to the amount of improperly dumped garbage as an “eyesore” and stated, “There’s a lot of ugly things in this world we don’t have any control over, but this we do, and this affects us right here in our own home.” The Sheriff highlighted a garbage-filled iron metal sign Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office inmates created a garbage-filled metal built by Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office inmates for the purpose iron sign to draw attention to the amount of excessive trash in the of getting people’s attention about the amount of trash. parish. Photo courtesy of Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office. LOUISIANA SHERIFF 7 Safeguarding St. Mary Waters By David Spencer, St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office he St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office has re-serviced a with a climate-controlled cabin was outfitted to meet the military surplus SAFE boat enhancing the agency’s specific needs and challenges of patrol work on the waterways Tport security and search and rescue capabilities. The of St. Mary Parish. Since the SAFE boat’s launch in late 2017, Secure All-around Flotation Equipped (SAFE) U.S. Coast the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office Marine and Narcotics Guard RBS (response boat small) was fully funded through Sections have joined the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety the FEMA Port Security Grant Program. The 25-foot vessel Unit Morgan City and US Customs and Border Patrol to conduct water patrol operations focusing on the enforcement of state and local boating regulations, promoting safe boating practices, and interdiction work.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt Louis Ashley and US Coast Guard BM2 Raymond Wert conducting a compliance check on a Marine Section patrolling the levees of St. Mary Parish. crabbing vessel. Photo courtesy of St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. Photo courtesy of St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Partners with School System to Place Officers in Public Schools By Public Affairs Division, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office n response to recent school shootings around the country, “The safety of our children and the security of our schools the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has partnered with is of the utmost importance,” said Sheriff Randy Smith. “Our Ithe St. Tammany Parish Public School System to place a SROs will work closely with school administrators, faculty, staff School Resource Officer (SRO) in 25 public schools throughout and students to ensure a safe learning environment remains in the parish. place.” SROs provide law enforcement services to schools and school grounds. They are specially trained, commissioned, armed law enforcement officers who work in collaboration with schools to provide a safe learning environment. While the purpose of creating an SRO Division was to provide safety for the schools and students, having a uniformed law enforcement officer embedded on our campuses and among our school children every school day has provided unmeasurable secondary benefits for the community as a whole. The SROs develop positive relationships with the students that hopefully will carry on into their adult lives, providing them with a favorable impression of law enforcement while providing parents with peace of mind. There are a total of 55 public schools located throughout St. Tammany Parish and the STPSO is providing an SRO for 25 of those schools. The remaining 30 public school SRO positions are School Resource Officer Deputy Jon Meyers, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith and St. Tammany Parish School Superintendent staffed by the appropriate municipal police agencies. Trey Folse walk the halls of Whispering Forest Elementary School on The majority of the initial funding for this program is being the first day of the 2018-2019 school year. provided by the St. Tammany Parish Public School Board. Photo Courtesy of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. 8 LOUISIANA SHERIFF One of Louisiana’s Pioneers of School Resource Officer Programs, Rapides Parish reflects on 15 years. By Captain Tommy Carnline, Public Information Officer, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office or several years before the tragedy at Columbine, Sheriff discussing his idea with his top staff, Sheriff Hilton decided William Earl Hilton of Rapides Parish was always to call for a half cent sales tax that would fund a raise for the Fconcerned about an attack at one of the schools in deputies, purchase newer, more modern equipment and, most the parish. It bothered him so much that in July of 1997, he importantly, put a deputy in every school in the parish. instructed his Uniform Division Major and SWAT Commander In October of 2002, an election was held where the to put on a full scale exercise of a school shooting at the proposal went before the people and it passed with only a 2% closed Central State Hospital grounds. This exercise included margin. It was very clear that some people were against the student, teacher, and parent role players, local news media and sales tax and it was up to the Sheriff’s Office to show the public assisting agencies. And although the SWAT team deployed and that it was a good investment in the safety and security of our neutralized the suspect, one thing was painfully obvious; time schools. was a huge factor in saving lives. Now, almost 15 years later, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Then April 20th, 1999 came, a day that changed law Office School Resource Officer Program is going strong. enforcement and SWAT tactics forever. The days of “staging Comprising of 62 P.O.S.T Certified deputies, one in every up and waiting on SWAT” were over. Whenever an active killer school, public or private, they provide a safe and secure was introduced anywhere, a school, a mall, a movie theater, the learning environment for the students, faculty and staff. only way to effectively deal with that threat was to introduce Having deputies in the schools is turning what was always someone to eliminate the shooter or give the shooter something viewed as a “soft target” into more of a “hard target”. Potential else to concentrate on, a good guy shooting back at them. shooters know if they attack a school in Rapides Parish, they Sheriff Hilton surmised a deputy in every school could do that. will have to not only face “good guy with a gun”, but a trained So, with the Columbine event ever present in his mind, motivated individual who has now bonded with their school Sheriff Hilton kept thinking about how our schools could be and consider them a member of their family. secured and could he get the backing of the local school board. “Of all the accomplishments our department has made He called then Superintendent of Rapides Parish Schools, Patsy over my career, I am most proud of our SRO program” said Jenkins, and she was all for his idea of securing the schools. He Sheriff Hilton. “With this most recent tragedy in Florida, I also acknowledged the fact that having a deputy in the school have people commending us all the time about what we put in would build an early, positive law enforcement relationship motion 15 years ago. I am not sure what we would do now if with the students which could pay off later in life. It was a win/ we did not have those deputies in the schools. I am thankful the win. Now the question, as always, how to pay for it? public supported us and very proud we have been ahead of this With deputies leaving for other higher paying jobs in curve, providing a safe place for our children to learn.” law enforcement, retention was always a problem. So, after To this day, deputies see students they knew many years ago and the students thank them for how they impacted their lives. We now have had a generation of students who have never known the difference of not having a deputy sheriff in their school. And the deputies, when asked how they feel about being an SRO, they say they love their job and believe it is so very important. As each SRO greets the children at their school every morning, he or she may be smiling and laughing with the kids. But know this, “they are the sheepdog, they live to protect the flock and confront the wolf.” School Resource Officer Sergeant Jason Hagan watches over a school function. Photo Courtesy of Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. LOUISIANA SHERIFF 9 SHERIFFS’ HONORARY MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE TO PUBLIC SERVICES AT LOCAL LEVEL The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program brings educational and charitable public services to local communities through the generosity of its Honorary Members. Here is how membership dues are working throughout Louisiana. Thank you for your continued support. -Sheriff Greg Champagne, Chairman-Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program

Acadia Parish Allen Parish Ascension Parish Assumption Parish Avoyelles Parish Beauregard Parish Sheriff K.P. Gibson Sheriff Douglas Hebert Sheriff Jeff Wiley Sheriff Leland Falcon Sheriff Doug Anderson Sheriff Ricky L. Moses LSU-Eunice D.A.R.E. Program Scholarship Program Summer Camp Community Services D.A.R.E. Program

Catahoula Parish Claiborne Parish Concordia Parish DeSoto Parish East Baton Rouge Parish East Carroll Parish Sheriff Toney Edwards Sheriff Ken Bailey Sheriff Kenneth Hedrick Sheriff Jayson Richardson Sheriff Sid Gautreaux Sheriff Wydette Williams D.A.R.E. Program Athletic Program D.A.R.E. Program Scholarship Program Nights of Remembrance Crime Prevention

Jackson Parish Jefferson Parish Jefferson Davis Parish Lafayette Parish Lafourche Parish LaSalle Parish Sheriff Andy Brown Sheriff Joseph P. Lopinto Sheriff Ivy Woods Sheriff Mark Garber Sheriff Craig Webre Sheriff Scott Franklin Senior Citizens’ Band of Excellence D.A.R.E. Program 232 Help Program Youth Development Scholarship Program Program Programs

Ouachita Parish Plaquemines Parish Pointe Coupee Parish Rapides Parish Red River Parish Richland Parish Sabine Parish Sheriff Jay Russell Sheriff Gerald “Jerry” Sheriff Beauregard Sheriff William Earl Hilton Sheriff Glen Edwards Sheriff Gary Gilley Sheriff Ronny Richardson Youth Programs Turlich Jr. “Bud” Torres, III Community Services Scholarship Program Community Services D.A.R.E. Program D.A.R.E. Program D.A.R.E. Program

St. Mary Parish St. Tammany Parish Tangipahoa Parish Tensas Parish Terrebonne Parish Union Parish Vermilion Parish Sheriff Blaise Smith Sheriff Randy Smith Sheriff Daniel Edwards Sheriff Rickey Jones Sheriff Jerry Larpenter Sheriff Dusty Gates Sheriff Mike Couvillon Scholarship and Senior Citizens’ and D.A.R.E. Program D.A.R.E. Program D.A.R.E. Program D.A.R.E. and Triad D.A.R.E. Program Senior Citizens’ Programs Reserve Deputies’ Programs Programs

10 LOUISIANA SHERIFF SHERIFFS’ HONORARY MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE TO PUBLIC SERVICES AT LOCAL LEVEL The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program brings educational and charitable public services to local communities through the generosity of its Honorary Members. Here is how membership dues are working throughout Louisiana. Thank you for your continued support. -Sheriff Greg Champagne, Chairman-Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program

Bienville Parish Bossier Parish Caddo Parish Calcasieu Parish Caldwell Parish Cameron Parish Sheriff John Ballance Sheriff Julian Whittington Sheriff Stephen Prator Sheriff Tony Mancuso Sheriff Clay Bennett Sheriff Ronald Johnson D.A.R.E. Program Crime Prevention Crime Prevention Youth Services Explorer Scouts D.A.R.E. Program

East Feliciana Parish Evangeline Parish Franklin Parish Grant Parish Iberia Parish Iberville Parish Sheriff “Jeff” Travis Sheriff Eddie Soileau Sheriff Kevin Cobb Sheriff Steven McCain Sheriff Louis Ackal Sheriff Brett Stassi D.A.R.E. Program D.A.R.E. Awareness Youth Programs Youth Camp D.A.R.E. Program Youth Services

Lincoln Parish Livingston Parish Madison Parish Morehouse Parish Natchitoches Parish Orleans Parish Sheriff Mike Stone Sheriff Jason Ard Sheriff Larry Cox Sheriff Mike Tubbs Sheriff Victor Jones, Jr. Sheriff Marlin Gusman Triad and D.A.R.E. Programs Drug Awareness and D.A.R.E. Program Summer Youth Camp Youth Ball and D.A.R.E. Program D.A.R.E. Programs D.A.R.E. Program

St. Bernard Parish St. Charles Parish St. Helena Parish St. James Parish St. John the Baptist Parish St. Landry Parish St. Martin Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann Sheriff Greg Champagne Sheriff Nathaniel “Nat” Sheriff Willy Martin, Jr. Sheriff Michael Tregre Sheriff Bobby Guidroz Sheriff Ronny Theriot D.A.R.E. Program D.A.R.E. Program Williams Youth Summer Camp Drug Education D.A.R.E. Program Charitable, Educational and Crime Prevention Public Safety Programs

Vernon Parish Washington Parish Webster Parish West Baton Rouge Parish West Carroll Parish West Feliciana Parish Winn Parish Sheriff Sam Craft Sheriff Randy Seal Sheriff Gary Sexton Sheriff Mike Cazes Sheriff Jerry Philley Sheriff Austin Daniel Sheriff Cranford Jordan D.A.R.E. Program D.A.R.E. Program 4-H Shooting Sports D.A.R.E. and Scholarship Youth Drug Program Drug Awareness D.A.R.E. Program and Council on Aging Programs

LOUISIANA SHERIFF 11 Sheriff Craig Webre Lafourche Parish By Lauren Labbé Meher, Communications Director, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association afourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre was born and raised remains involved with CALEA in the rural community of Kraemer, Louisiana, familiarly and has served as commissioner Lknown as “Bayou Boeuf.” There was only one church and for nine years. He is currently the one school in this tiny community, which lies about 25 miles Chairman of the Commission. from the outskirts of Thibodaux. Sheriff Webre grew up the Webre is not only involved at only son in a traditional family, guided by two working-class the national level with CALEA, parents. As a young man he spent much of his high school years but also with the National balancing getting his education and working at his job in an auto- Sheriffs’ Association. In 2001 he Sheriff Craig Webre salvage yard. Webre describes himself as somewhat ambivalent was elected Sergeant-at-arms and moved up the ranks to serve about what he wanted to do with his life at that point, but he as its President in 2007. He is the only sheriff from Lafourche imagined it would be mechanic-type work like his father did. Parish to serve as NSA President, and the only sheriff from That is until he was offered a scholarship to attend Nicholls Lafourche Parish to serve as President of the Louisiana Sheriffs’ University. This became the first of many turning points in Association. He says his tenure as NSA President is a proud Webre’s life where the famous Latin Proverb, “Fortis, Fortuna, moment his career, but even more meaningful to him was the Adiuvat,” or “Fortune Favors the Bold” applies. Instead of taking honor to serve as the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association’s 73rd the likely path, Sheriff Webre seized this new opportunity, and President. it paid off. During his 27 years as sheriff, Webre continued to establish While completing his Associate’s degree at Nicholls, he new programs to serve the community such as the senior began working with the Thibodaux Police Department. Within nutrition “meals on wheels” program, the Victim Services a few weeks of working in law enforcement Webre knew this Unit, a supervised visitation program (PACT Place: Parents was exactly what he was meant to do. “Even as a young child, and Children Together), to name a few. Webre says, “I’m a big I’ve always had this passion for justice, this belief that people believer in filling in the gaps. Whether it’s providing school should be treated fairly, so this became the driving force behind resource officers, serving crime victims, or feeding senior me realizing that this was the perfect job for me, the opportunity citizens, if there is a need we are going to fill it whenever to serve and make a difference.” Webre said. After serving with possible.” the Thibodaux Police Department, and as a sheriff’s deputy Under Sheriff Webre’s leadership, the Lafourche Parish for the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Webre was Sheriff’s Office continues to grow. Construction is almost recruited by the Louisiana State Police where he continued complete on the new Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. his law enforcement career for 9 ½ years. While working as a This new jail will enable Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office to state trooper, Sheriff Webre continued to further his education continue to expand many of their community service projects at Loyola University earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal on a larger scale and will accommodate the growth that Justice, and his law degree. Lafourche Parish has experienced over the past 27 years. Further proof that fortune does indeed favor the bold, in With this new facility, Webre plans to address the causative 1991 Webre decided to run for sheriff against a larger than life factors of why people are incarcerated. He plans to implement political incumbent. With little money to invest in a campaign, a “direct supervision” model. With the use of technology, no campaign experience, and no political acumen, Sheriff and comprehensive rehabilitative and re-entry initiatives, the Webre won the “David and Goliath style” race. Despite the fact new complex will provide the tools inmates need to become that he had not “worked through the ranks” of the Lafourche productive citizens of their community, and reduce recidivism. Parish Sheriff’s Office, every step he had taken in his life He will continue to address this issue of recidivism at the state beginning with his formal education, to his legal training, and level as president of the LSA. He is a supporter of Louisiana’s his law enforcement experience all led to him being the perfect Justice Reinvestment legislation and believes in using alternatives candidate for his new position. to incarceration such as drug courts to address criminal behavior. When Webre first took office his goal was to reestablish When asked about his career as sheriff thus far, Webre says, the sheriff’s office’s credibility with the public by developing “I guess in many respects a lot of where I ended up in life has a more streamlined command structure, implementing training been the result of being completely spontaneous and unplanned and POST certification requirements, and providing assistance and just seeing an opportunity and having the courage to take to deputies who wanted to further their education. In 2000 the it.” One final example of these “unplanned opportunities” is that Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office became one of a handful of now in his fifties, Sheriff Webre is experiencing the blessings of Louisiana sheriff’s offices to earn accreditation with CALEA marriage and the joys of fatherhood. Sheriff Webre says he had (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies). resigned himself to the fact that he might never be able to have This aligned with Webre’s goals of increased professionalization the human experience of having a child of his own. Now with his of the sheriff’s office, while aligning the office with law wife and newborn daughter beside him, it is evident, that fortune enforcement “best practices” from across the country. Webre truly does favor the bold. 12 LOUISIANA SHERIFF Pointe Coupee Sheriff Bud Torres Entertains at NSA Conference By Lauren Labbé Meher, Communications Director, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association ost people know Sheriff Bud Torres for his prolific New Orleans, and at venues such as the Grouse Room, and career in law enforcement. Torres has held the title the Southport Music Hall. He has released four albums and Mof Sheriff for the past eleven years in Pointe Coupee several music videos. His songs, which are often reflective Parish. Before that he began his law enforcement career as an of his Louisiana roots, have reached much farther than his agent with Wildlife and Fisheries, as his father and grandfather hometown of Maringouin, Louisiana. Two of his songs have did before him. He then served as a state trooper for 25 years made Flocker Magazine’s “Trop Rock Top 40” including “Run before becoming sheriff in 2008. with the Night,” from his latest album, which made it all the But there’s another title that Torres is becoming renowned way to number one. for, and that is the “Singing Sheriff.” This past summer, Sheriff Torres says his role as sheriff always take Sheriff Torres performed at Champions Square in New top priority, but believes that making music is somewhat Orleans, Louisiana for the National Sheriffs’ Association therapeutic, and he relishes in the songwriting process. When (NSA) Conference. Torres was one of several acts including he can combine the two roles, like he did when performing for the Olympia Brass Band, The Mardi Gras Indians, and Rockin’ the NSA, that is music to his ears. Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters who entertained a crowd of more than 3,000 people including sheriffs from across the country. “Songwriting provides me another way to Torres is no stranger to the limelight. He played in a band connect and communicate with people, while in high school, but took a hiatus while he established and the songs I write are based on my life his career in law enforcement. Years later, in 2013, he picked up the guitar and taught himself to play. Since then, Torres has and experiences as a policeman.” played at festivals and events throughout Baton Rouge and

Bud Torres during his time as a State Trooper with the Sheriff Bud Torres performing at Champions Square, at the National Louisiana State Police. Sheriffs’ Association Conference this past Summer. Photo courtesy of Sheriff Bud Torres. Photo by Lauren Labbé Meher, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association. LOUISIANA SHERIFF 13 Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Announces Deputy Award Winners By Lauren Labbé Meher, Communications Director, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association

t the 2018 Louisiana Sheriffs’ and Wardens’ Annual Training Conference the Louisiana ASheriffs’ Association honored its winners for their Deputy of the Year and Deputy Valor Awards. The Association accepts nominations each year from the state’s 64 sheriffs and the winners are selected by the Sheriffs’ Awards Committee. The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association is honored to highlight the contributions of these standout professional deputy sheriffs. The Deputy Valor Award calls for a deputy who shows extraordinary judgment and bravery, and performance above and beyond the call of duty. This year’s winner was Ouachita Parish Corporal Craig Meredith. Meredith has served for 13 years at the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office. He began his career as a deputy sheriff working in corrections at the Ouachita Front Row Left to Right: Correctional Center. In 2007, he transferred to the Patrol Senator Francis Thompson, Deputy Valor winner, Ouachita Parish Corporal Craig Meredith; Deputy of the Year winner, Bossier Parish Sheriff Division where he is currently assigned. In 2012, he was James Lonadier; Senator Ryan Gatti; Senator Dale Erdey. promoted to the rank of Corporal. Corporal Meredith Second Row: previously served on the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Senator Mike Walsworth, Senator Jim Fannin, Senator Barrow Peacock. Office Street Crimes Apprehension Team (SCAT) and Back Row: Senator Neil Riser, Ouachita Parish Chief Criminal Deputy, Marc Mashaw, is a current member of the Ouachita Parish SWAT unit. Ouachita parish Sheriff Jay Russell, Bossier Parish Sheriff Last fall, Corporal Meredith responded to a call at a Julian Whittington , LSA assistant executive director, Sheriff Gary Bennett, residence in Monroe, Louisiana. The victim, an elderly Ret.; LSA executive director, Michael Ranatza. male, was having great difficulty breathing and was unresponsive. Upon arrival, Corporal Meredith noticed the As School Resource Officer, Deputy Lonadier goes above and beyond his required duties by volunteering as victim’s blue discoloration and immediately began rendering a Boat Captain for the Benton High School Fishing Team, first aid. After tilting the victim’s head back to open the airway, volunteering for batting practice for the softball team, and he found and removed a foreign object blocking air flow. The attending all extracurricular activities, even when he is not victim’s breathing immediately improved and discoloration on duty. He is known for his proactive efforts in maintaining began to subside. Corporal Meredith continued administering a positive rapport with students, parents, and community first aid until medical services arrived. Corporal Meredith was members. instrumental in saving the victim’s life. Corporal Meredith’s Deputy Lonadier goes out of his way to help in times dedication, professionalism, and outstanding service to the of crisis. Particularly, last year, Deputy Lonadier spent his citizens of Ouachita Parish deems him worthy of the Louisiana own time assisting in locating a pair of runaway twin boys. Sheriffs’ Association’s Deputy Valor Award. His relationship with these boys continued after they were The Deputy of the Year award calls for a deputy who found, as he was asked to serve as their mentor in the Camp has shown initiative and imagination, and one that strives to Minden Youth Challenge Program. This involved not only spending his spare hours mentoring, but also volunteer hours improve the quality of life in his or her community. This year’s of training before participating in the program, all of which Deputy of the Year award winner is Bossier Parish Deputy he did without hesitation. This is just one example of Deputy James Lonadier. Lonadier was selected for his selfless service Lonadier’s selfless service and passion for influencing the and his passion for leading and mentoring the youth of Bossier youth of Bossier Parish. The Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Parish. Deputy Lonadier is a retired Deputy Chief from the is proud to call him our Deputy of the Year. Bossier City Fire Department and has worked for the Bossier Winners and their family members were honored during Parish Sheriff’s Office for over four years. He currently serves the 2018 Louisiana Legislative Session, and at the Louisiana as a School Resource Officer for Benton High School. Sheriffs’ Association’s Annual Training Conference. 14 LOUISIANA SHERIFF Six Louisiana Sheriffs’ Deputies Win Heart of Law Enforcement Award by Lauren Labbé Meher, Communications Director, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association ouisiana non-profit organization “Beyond the Badge” your heart.” Each winner received a framed state flag that was hosted their second-annual “Heart of Law Enforcement” flown over the capitol and a Visa gift card. Lawards ceremony and six Louisiana sheriffs’ deputies The highest honor bestowed was a “Service Before Self ” were among the honorees. These law enforcement officers award, which was presented to Jefferson Parish Deputy Turner were honored for their random acts of kindness that go beyond Barran for his Barran’s Bears project. what is professionally required in their jobs. For example, East Louisiana sheriffs’ deputies honored at the ceremony Baton Rouge Parish Lieutenant Michael Birdwell purchased include: Deputy First Class Chad Tyson, Ascension Parish Christmas gifts for the children in his assigned patrol area and Sheriff’s Office; Lieutenant Michael Birdwell, East Baton gave food to the homeless near the Walmart where he works Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Stephanie Hicks, East his extra duty shifts. Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office; Deputy Turner Barran, Keynote speaker Lt. General Russell Honoré said, “These Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; Reserve Deputy Tate Lefort, acts of kindness went beyond the badge. It’s the thing that you Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; and Captain Cortrell Davis, do not do because you have to, but because it’s something in Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Louisiana deputies at Boudreaux’s Banquet hall after receiving their Heart of Law Enforcement Awards. From Left to Right: Deputy Turner Barran, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; Captain Cortrell Davis, Lafourche Parish; Reserve Deputy Tate Lefort, Jefferson Parish; Deputy Stephanie Hicks, East Baton Rouge Parish; Deputy First Class Chad Tyson, Ascension Parish; Lieutenant Michael Birdwell, East Baton Rouge Parish.

Would you like to nominate a law enforcement officer for the Heart of Law Enforcement award? Nominations may be made by anyone-supervisors, fellow officers, citizens, family members, and friends. Please visit www.beyondthebadgelouisiana.org for more information.

LOUISIANA SHERIFF 15 St. Landry Sheriff’s Office Partners with Community Glue Initiative to provide school supplies to children of incarcerated parents By Major Eddie Thibodeaux, Public Information Officer, St.Landry Parish he St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, District 24 Louisiana State Senator Gerald Boudreaux, and the TThin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club- St. Landry Chapter teamed up with Megan Broussard’s “Community Glue” project to deliver book sacks and school supplies to 100 children of inmates. It all started when Broussard, who also serves as a corrections warden, gave a used book sack to an inmate’s child and saw the child light up with joy and love. Fast-forward one year, and donations have poured in from local individuals, business, and churches. Just in St. Landry Parish alone, there are thousands of students affected financially due to having an incarcerated parent. As law enforcement, we know what the cycle is in our community, and we know the devastating effects that can occur when the primary breadwinner is incarcerated and how that affects the Pictured is Major Eddie Thibodeaux, Capt. Megan Broussard, children of those families. Senator Gerald Boudreaux, and Sheriff Bobby Guidroz. Photo The motorcycle club was volunteering during a church courtesy of St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. heath fair and secured the leftover school supplies from The group delivered some supplies on their motorcycles. Senator Boudreaux. Major Eddie Thibodeaux who is also This showed the kids a new perspective of law enforcement. The with the sheriff’s office and serves as the president of the kids were excited to not only receive the supplies, but also to see chapter in Louisiana then reached out to Captain Broussard to the bikes. Senator Boudreaux, Sheriff Bobby Guidroz, and Major donate the supplies to her program. Thibodeaux of the law enforcement motorcycle club pledged their continued support to the Community Glue program. DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office announces new “Bringing Joye” Initiative By Holly Jones, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office n honor of World Down Syndrome Day, Sheriff Jayson Richardson has decided that it would be a great day to Iannounce his newest initiative, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office “Bringing Joye” Program. This initiative is inspired by his Aunt Joye Malone of Logansport. She is also known as Logansport Tigers biggest fan. In previous years, Sheriff Richardson has been an active supporter of the local charity Circle of Hope. Recently, the Sheriff’s Office and Circle of Hope have planned events and brought our special needs community together for games, dancing, and pizza parties. Partnerships have been formed with the DeSoto Parish School system that have allowed special needs students from each school to come together at DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Training Facility for these activities. We look forward to sharing these experiences with the public in the future. If you would like to DeSoto Sheriff Jayson Richardson’s Aunt Joye Malone and volunteer to help with an event please contact Holly Jones at Logansport High School’s Mascot Tank the Tiger celebrating 318-872-3956. another win. Photo courtesy of DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office. 16 LOUISIANA SHERIFF Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator offers free Youth Firearms Safety Education Camp By: Cindy Chadwick, Public Information Officer, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office addo Sheriff Steve Prator has seen too many kids die from accidental shootings in his 45 years in law Cenforcement. “Thinking back on these cases, it’s just a tragedy for all who are involved,” he said. “As a policeman or a deputy, it’s really something you don’t forget, so we all have an obligation to do what’s necessary to stop it.” That’s why Sheriff Prator started the Youth Firearms Safety Education Camp in 2004. Since then, hundreds of boys and girls ages 10-13 have attended the free summer camp and received one-on-one training about gun safety from Caddo sheriff’s deputies. Boys and girls attending the Caddo Sheriff’s Youth Firearms Safety “Hunting is our heritage in Louisiana, and there are guns Education Camp this summer received hands-on instruction about in many of our homes,” Sheriff Prator said. “Teaching children gun safety and precision shooting from Caddo sheriff’s deputies. what to do if they encounter a gun at home or at a friend’s takes Photo courtesy of Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. the mystery out of things and hopefully will help save lives.” For Sheriff Prator, attending a similar camp when he was The Firearms Safety Education Camp takes place during a boy made a lasting impression. one week in July. Because of high demand, participants choose “When I was about 10 years old I attended a camp at the one out of the five days to attend camp. At the beginning of Caddo Rifle and Pistol Club. The Sheriff of Caddo Parish held class, deputies teach the fundamentals of firearms and gun the camp, and that’s where I first learned the fun and basics of safety. Then campers are paired off with a deputy and head shooting and the importance of being safe around firearms,” to the range. Under the watchful supervision of certified he said. law enforcement officers, campers spend the next several The camp meant so much to the Sheriff that he still has his hours shooting paper and steel targets with .22 rifles and clay medals and certificates. “It was a life-changing time for me, targets with .410 rifles. Near the end of camp, they shoot a a time when I learned to enjoy shooting and also learned the competition target for prizes, trophies, and bragging rights. importance of respecting firearms,” he said. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office hosts Community Wellness Fair By Major Wendall Raborn, Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office beria Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were active at the Community Wellness IFair on August 15th. Deputies displayed Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles, the Mobile Command Post, a high-water rescue vehicle, SWAT equipment, four wheelers and boats. More than 300 children attending the fair were able to interact with the deputies and see the vehicles and equipment up close. Deputies allowed the kids to tour the command post and get firsthand information on what they can look forward to as a member of the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office. There were Children attending the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office Community Wellness Fair multiple venders on site giving out health testing out the four wheelers and SWAT equipment. information to the kids and their parents. Photos courtesy of Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office. LOUISIANA SHERIFF 17 On October 10, 2018, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association along with other state law enforcement agencies hosted a Blue Mass to honor law enforcement. The mass was officiated by Bishop Michael Duca along with co-officiants Father Jeff Bayhi of St. John the Baptist and Father Miles Walsh of Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pictured from left to right are: Father Jeff Bayhi, St. John the Baptist Parish; Deacon Clayton Hollier, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish; Bishop Michael Duca, Diocese of Baton Rouge; and Father Miles Walsh, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. Photo by Danny Jackson, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association.

After the Blue Mass, there was a “Blessing of the Fleet” with vehicles from the following agencies: Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Acadian Ambulance, East Baton Rouge EMS, and the Bureau of EMS. Pictured at the Blessing of the Fleet is Bishop Michael Duca with Sergeant Johnnie Estess from Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. Photo by Danny Jackson, Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association. 18 LOUISIANA SHERIFF NA SH IA E E S UND D 19 R I O 38 I U F F F O S

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The 42nd Annual Louisiana Sheriffs’ and Wardens’ Training Conference and Exhibition was held July 31-August 2, 2018, in Destin, Florida. The conference included a variety of training sessions in areas such as Proactive Communications, Criminal Law, Employment Law, Legislative, and a variety of other leadership training opportunities.

Without the support of our sponsors, this conference would not have been possible.

PLATINUM LEVEL CORPORATE SPONSOR ($10,000 + CONTRIBUTION) AlertFM AT&T Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana CivicSource Kologik Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program Motorola Ring TheSheriffApp.com

GOLD LEVEL CORPORATE SPONSOR ($7,000 - $9,999) Acadian Companies Correct Commissary/Correct Solutions

SILVER LEVEL CORPORATE SPONSOR ($5,000- $6,999) Appriss Inc. Capital One Circinus LEO The Tammariello Group/Hub International Watch Systems

BRONZE LEVEL CORPORATE SPONSOR ($2,000-$4,999) AXA Brothers Correctional Services Catapult Health LLC Fontenot Benefits and Actuarial Consulting General Informatics Grace & Hebert Architects Homeland Safety Systems Louisiana Asset Management Pool Securus Technologies Tiger Correctional Services Union Pacific LOUISIANA SHERIFF 19 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID 1175 Nicholson Drive, Suite 101 Baton Rouge, LA Permit No. 1661 Baton Rouge, LA 70802

LOUISIANA SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM (For Non-Members Only)