Louisiana State Police Troop D was recognized recently as a statewide Leader in Law Enforcement by the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

At an event held at City Club in River Ranch, Troop D was honored for the hard work and dedication its troopers have shown recently. Specifically, CFA members recognized Troop D for “continuing to meet adversity with resiliency” and its willingness to go beyond the call of duty.

Public Affairs Officer for Troop D, TFC Derek Senegal said being presented with the award on Aug. 9 was an incredible honor for all of Troop D, and that the events impacting Southwest Louisiana over the past two years have illustrated the troop’s desire to help the public.

“Troopers are out day and night, no matter what type of weather we’re having in Southwest Louisiana. During the calamity of Hurricane Laura and the uncertainty of the coronavirus, troopers had to remain on duty despite the fact that many of them had sustained damage to their own homes. They continued to enforce motor vehicle laws and offered assistance to those in need of help,” Senegal said.

The Community Foundation of Acadiana also noted Troop D’s efforts to achieve 100 percent compliance “because public trust is essential, not incidental to the functioning of the organization.”

Senegal said that while Troop D strives to protect the public, they also make an effort every day to make a positive impact with the citizens they interact with during every shift, even if those efforts go mostly unnoticed or unknown.

“Troopers perform unnoticed random acts of kindness with no pat on the back or acknowledgement. Even though there may not always be a trophy or award of recognition, sometimes it just feels good to do something that makes someone’s day,” Senegal said.

Senegal said it is no secret that law enforcement as a whole has experienced a tremendous set back, but that Troop D has remained dedicated to their jobs and to those they serve.

“Our agency has implemented a lot of changes that will allow us to be more transparent. The legacy of Troop D strives for 100 percent compliance because it is essential that the public can begin to trust again and realize that we all must work together,” Senegal stated.

Troop D was recognized by the Community Foundation of Acadiana alongside the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Department and the 1st Judicial District Attorney’s Office of Caddo Parish. With its award, each department was also presented with $35,000 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.