Lafayette, LA – Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) celebrated its sixth annual Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards on Tuesday, August 5, at City Club in River Ranch. The 2025 honorees are the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Department, the 31st Judicial District Attorney’s Office of Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana State Police Troop NOLA, and the Duson Police Department.
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 attorneys’ offices, police departments, and the Louisiana State Police. These awards are designed to honor the departments that make 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.
“It’s an honor to host the Leaders in Law Enforcement event annually and recognize programs and departments making a positive impact on communities across our state,” said Missy Bienvenu Andrade, President & CEO of Community Foundation of Acadiana. “There are so many departments worthy of recognition that this year the Brown Foundation was thrilled to add local police departments as a new awardee category. With that addition, we’re proud to congratulate four deserving honorees in 2025.”
About the 2025 Leaders in Law Enforcement Awardees:
The Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office (VPSO) is recognized for its innovative, community focused leadership under Sheriff Eddie Langlinais, including the rapid creation of a Real-Time Crime Center, youth and citizen engagement programs, expanded school safety efforts, and dedicated support for vulnerable populations—all achieved efficiently and with measurable impact on public trust and safety.
The 31st Judicial District Attorney’s Office of Jefferson Davis Parish is recognized for its innovative, community-centered approach under District Attorney Lauren Heinen, including successful juvenile and drug diversion programs, expanded victim support services, proactive crime prevention efforts, and strong community engagement, all resulting in reduced crime, improved outcomes for youth and families, and enhanced public trust in the justice system.
Louisiana State Police Troop NOLA is recognized for its groundbreaking approach to public safety in New Orleans, achieving dramatic reductions in violent crime through precision policing, cutting-edge technology, and strong community engagement. Established in 2024, Troop NOLA has built trust, fostered collaboration across agencies, and become a statewide model for effective, transparent, and community-driven law enforcement.
The Duson Police Department is recognized for its transformational leadership under Chief Kip Judice, achieving reductions in crime, implementing innovative programs like juvenile diversion and victim support, and pioneering technology-driven policing. Through strong community partnerships, legislative advocacy, and a commitment to professionalism, the department has become a model for small-town law enforcement across Louisiana.
About Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards
The Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards, hosted by Community Foundation of Acadiana are designed to honor law enforcement departments that are making the most impact in their communities with the resources they have been allocated. Applications are evaluated on factors, including but not limited to the following: (1) Program(s) implemented to increase public confidence in law enforcement; (2) Objective measures of year to year successes or improvements; (3) Programs making the justice system more accessible to and supportive of victims; (4) Efficient use of and accountability for tax dollars; (5) Progress in professional development of personnel and their retention; (6) Integration of new law enforcement and prosecution technology; (7) Efficient handling of natural disasters, terrorist activities or other situations requiring mass mobilization, coordination and management of resources; and (8) Acts enhancing the reputation of Louisiana law enforcement. Along with the recognition, each organization receives a $40,000 award to be used at their discretion to improve operations and continue to encourage extraordinary performance.
The 2026 application process 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. Applications can be found by visiting 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 $410 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $240 million. You can learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.