Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) celebrated its fourth annual Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards on Tuesday, August 8th. The 2023 honorees are the Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Department, the 27th Judicial District Attorney’s Office of St. Landry Parish and Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit.
The intent of these awards is to bolster morale, increase respect for public service, acknowledge improvements in operations and encourage extraordinary performance among Louisiana’s sheriff’s departments, district attorney’s offices and Louisiana State Police. These awards are designed to honor those departments making the most impact in their communities with the resources they have been allocated. Each department received 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.
“Community Foundation of Acadiana is proud to host and support law enforcement professionals through our Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards. These awards recognize agencies from around our great state that are implementing exceptional and creative programs that enhance public safety and quality of life in their communities,” said Missy Andrade, CEO of Community Foundation of Acadiana.
The Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) was recognized for the implementation and effectiveness of its MERIT (Motivating Engagement - Recognizing Individual Talent) program. MERIT is a community program created by the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office under the leadership of Sheriff Kevin Cobb. The program aims to address the needs of the community, particularly the youth and adults with developmental disabilities living at home. Its mission is to provide a safe and motivating environment where individuals can recognize their talents and worth.
The 27th Judicial District Attorney’s Office of St. Landry Parish was recognized for effectively addressing community violence in St. Landry Parish, fostering better collaboration between law enforcement agencies, and focusing on supporting and educating the underserved as well as victims in St. Landry Parish.
Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit was recognized for continuing to meet adversity with resiliency and its willingness to go beyond the call of duty. Formed in July 2021, this 14-member investigation team oversees complex use-of-force cases within the Louisiana State Police (LSP) and Department of Public Safety (DPS). The unit's creation was a response to recent high-profile use of force cases both in Louisiana and nationwide.
Community Foundation of Acadiana is honored to present these law enforcement awards to such deserving programs. The 2024 application process will begin in January and run through March. All sheriff’s departments, district attorney’s offices, and Louisiana State Police troops/sections from around the state are invited and encouraged to apply. Applications can be found by visiting www.cfacadiana.org/leadersinlaw