Lafayette, LA – Law enforcement agencies from around Louisiana were honored during Community Foundation of Acadiana’s seventh annual Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards.
Honorees from the four recognized agencies gathered at the City Club in River Ranch on Aug. 4 to accept their recognition, which includes a $40,000 award to be used at their discretion to improve operations and continue to encourage extraordinary performance and implement meaningful programs.
This year’s awards were underwritten by the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation.
“Each year, we honor our law enforcement officers who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in our communities,” said Missy Bienvenu, President & CEO of Community Foundation of Acadiana. “This year’s recipients have shown ingenuity in tackling their communities’ challenges, and these awards support the continuation of that work by providing resources they can put into their programs to expand their impact.”
About the 2026 Leaders in Law Enforcement Awardees:
St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office
Through the leadership of Sheriff Becket Breaux, the department’s innovative Substance Abuse Team for Addiction and Recovery (STAR) Program is changing how law enforcement responds to substance abuse by focusing on treatment, recovery, and accountability. Through strong community partnerships, the program has reduced recidivism, improved recovery outcomes, and enhanced public safety while using resources more effectively than traditional incarceration.
36th Judicial District Attorney’s Office serving Beauregard Parish
Led by District Attorney James Lestage, the innovative Truancy Assessment & Service Center (TASC) Program has transformed how the community addresses chronic absenteeism by providing early intervention and connecting at-risk students and their families with the support they need to succeed. Through strong partnerships with the courts, law enforcement, schools, and community organizations, the program has helped thousands of students improve school attendance, strengthened families, and contributed to one of the lowest juvenile crime rates in the region.
Louisiana State Police Crisis Response Command
Under the direction of Captain Jason Shavers, the Crisis Response Command has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and preparedness in responding to Louisiana’s most critical emergencies. From the Bourbon Street terrorist attack and Super Bowl LIX to major disaster response and large-scale public safety operations, the command has provided exceptional service through tactical response, emergency communications, criminal interdiction, and innovative unmanned aircraft operations.
Carencro Police Department
Through Chief David Anderson’s guidance, the Carencro Police Department has strengthened public safety by building meaningful partnerships with the community, investing in youth, and embracing innovation. Through programs like Badges of Trust, the Stop Bullying Campaign, and the Carencro Police Explorers, the department is fostering positive relationships with the next generation while promoting leadership and civic responsibility.
The application process for the 2027 Leaders in Law Enforcement Award will begin in January and run through March. All sheriff’s departments, district attorney’s offices, Louisiana State Police troops/sections, and police departments from around the state are invited and encouraged to apply at www.cfacadiana.org/leadersinlaw.
About Community Foundation of Acadiana
CFA is one of south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations benefiting our region, with a focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermilion. CFA’s core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. Since its inception in 2000, CFA has realized cumulative gifts exceeding $431 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $256 million. You can learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.