I had the privilege of attending the 16th Annual St. Landry Crime Stoppers awards banquet, not as an editor but as a guest with Catalyst Bank - one of the sponsors of the event.
As a MacaroniKID publisher we regularly publish topics and share local events that are relevant to parents and families looking for family fun things to do in their community. I also share helpful community resources that are available to local families; however, it is equally important to shine some light on the individuals that help to make these communities safer for families.
It is easy to complain about a community's local police and sheriff's departments when you're on the outside looking in. The truth is there is so much more that goes on behind the scenes. It takes a great effort and movement with multiple agencies working together from law enforcement officers, public services officers, correctional officers, detectives, and so many more who play a crucial part in reducing crime and keeping criminals off the streets so that families can feel safer in their neighborhoods.
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Although I have never worked in law enforcement and couldn't put myself in their shoes I can imagine how difficult it must be to work in such a thankless job as those who are often the recipient of mockery. These individuals work tirelessly to serve their community, dealing with hard criminals, difficult people, and witness unimaginable things just to name a few. They are regular citizens just like us with families they go home to with heavy burdens on their hearts they don't speak of. Many of them serve multiple roles in their departments to help the day to day tasks run more smoothly.
Individuals like Captain Gisha Palmer, who not only recieved officer of the year but was also recognized with the Life Saving Award for her efforts in saving a citizen from a burning vehicle while off-duty, are the ones who make a significant impact in their communities.
Detectives, working cold cases off of very limited information by today's standards, use the resources we now have to help bring justice and offer some closure to families who have long-sought for answers.
The St. Landry Crime Stoppers team have collectively lead to: 350 arrests made, 352 cases cleared, seizure of $226,540 in drugs, and have paid $91,947 in rewards from tips received. You can find more information on these statistics and more at stlandrycrimestoppers.com
On Thursday evening the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office recognized the exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in their community, both in the field and behind the scenes. Major Mark LeBlanc shared information on each of these recipients recognizing their hard work and efforts in their department. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz also recognized and thanked the departments for their professionalism and committment to their agencies.
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Award Recipients
Officer of the Year
Captain Gisha Palmer
Correctional Officer of the Year
Deputy Nia Henry
Civil Officer of the Year
Rachelle Mouton
Dispatcher of the Year
Annette Fontenot
Law Enforcement Special Services/Public Services Officer of the Year
Sergeant Jessica Tezeno (not pictured)
Detective of the Year
Sergeant Samuel Tidwell
Supervisor of the Year
Deputy Chief David Meche
Judge Robert Brinkman Superior Officer Memoriam Award
Sergeant Anthony Cicio
St. Landry Crime Stoppers Life Saving Award
Captain Gisha Palmer
No community is perfect and crime exists in every city, town and municipality but without these individuals who stay hard at work our neighborhoods would be filled with lawlessness and chaos. With the help of its citizens the St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers can further bring down crime rates and statistics to make their communities a safer place to enjoy.
If you see something, say something. Crime Stoppers rewards individuals who report tips/information that leads to an arrest and all calls are kept anonymous. Tip Line: 337-948-TIPS (8477)
