Lafayette, LA – Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) celebrated its fifth annual Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards on Tuesday, August 6 at City Club in River Ranch. The 2024 honorees are the Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Department, the 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office of St. Martin, Iberia & St. Mary Parishes and Louisiana State Police Troop G.
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.
“The Community Foundation of Acadiana applauds the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers as they work hard to keep our communities safe,” said Missy Bienvenu Andrade, President & CEO of Community Foundation of Acadiana. “We take immense pride in hosting the Leaders in Law Enforcement event. This program honors agencies across Louisiana for their innovative and exceptional efforts in keeping our streets safe and fostering a better quality of life for all and is well deserved by its recipients.”
About the 2024 Leaders in Law Enforcement Awardees: The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) is being recognized for meeting adversity with resiliency by improving its financial health, reducing turnover by implementing competitive salaries, expanding infrastructure, actively engaging with the community, implementing comprehensive deputy training, all while planning future expansions and services for elderly and special needs citizens. Sheriff Chris Savoie & former Sheriff Ron Johnson accepted the award.
The 16th Judicial District Attorney’s Office of Iberia, St. Martin, & St. Mary Parishes is being recognized for its effective management of justice across the parishes they serve despite limited resources. For excelling in collaboration with local law enforcement, efficient case management, comprehensive training, and reducing juvenile crime and truancy and their dedication to supporting crime victims and promoting community safety. District Attorney Bo Duhe accepted the award.
Louisiana State Police Troop G is recognized for its unwavering commitment to public safety through enforcement, education, and collaboration, significant regional safety improvements, enhanced public outreach, and efforts to combat violent crimes—all of which exemplify their leadership and commitment to enhancing public safety. Captain Trey Strickland accepted the award.
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 $35,000 award to be used at their discretion to improve operations and continue to encourage extraordinary performance.
Community Foundation of Acadiana is honored to present these law enforcement awards to such deserving programs. The 2025 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
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 $336 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $174 million.