Alexandria, La. (5/15/2026) – Law enforcement agencies from across Central Louisiana gathered Friday for the 29th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service to honor officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
The memorial service brought together local, state, and federal agencies along with community leaders, officers, deputies, investigators, and families of the fallen.
Agencies represented included the Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria City Marshal, Ball Police Department, Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Glenmora Police Department, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Pineville City Marshal, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rapides Parish Constable Office, United States Marshals Service, and Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Mark Wood of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office delivered opening remarks and later participated in the wreath laying ceremony. Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy served as the guest speaker.
The ceremony included the posting of colors, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. Officers also conducted a 21-gun salute before the lowering of the flag and the playing of “Taps.”
A special moment during the program came when Sheriff Wood recognized the families of fallen officers in attendance. The recognition brought an emotional pause to the ceremony as attendees honored the sacrifices made by surviving family members.
Additionally, organizers honored 36 fallen officers and law enforcement officials whose service and sacrifice continue to impact communities across Louisiana.
Those remembered included Constable Michael W. Baillio, Constable Hezekiah J. Reeves, Officer Benjamin Aymond, Officer Joseph D. James, Deputy J.W. LaCaze, Officer G.M. Lanius, Deputy John Phillips, Deputy Eugene C. Brister, Sheriff Wyatt L. Nugent, Chief Deputy Delmer Brunson, Trooper Ulis Floyd, Trooper James N. Polland, Deputy Lason R. Cope, Deputy Marshal Melder, Officer Jackie T. Thiels, Sergeant Lamon Weaver, Sergeant Clarence J. Miller Jr., Deputy Benton Bordelon, Trooper William M. Kees, Deputy James Normand, Deputy U.S. Marshal William Degan Jr., Deputy James Lee Clarius, Special Agent Leonard Hatton, Patrolman Jeremy Carruth, PFC David Ezernack, Deputy Alexandria City Marshal Glen Devanie, PFC Brian Coleman, ADA Camille J. Giordano II, Detective Robert Beane, Officer Russell George, Deputy Rickey R. Issac Jr., Deputy Steven Netherland, Pineville City Marshal Larry W. Jeane, Assistant Chief Carl Bordelon, Corporal Robert Johnson, and Sheriff William Earl Hilton.
The memorial recognized fallen officers dating back to 1897, including recent losses in 2026.
The service concluded with a flag presentation, the song “Amazing Grace,” and a final benediction led by Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Sgt. Joseph Franklin.
Finally, organizers shared the traditional “Policeman’s Prayer,” reminding attendees of the sacrifices law enforcement officers and their families continue to make in service to their communities.
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