LSP memorial ceremony honors fallen heroes

The Louisiana State Police will honor and remember the dedicated men and women of law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving others in the annual LSP Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony will be held at the memorial in front of the Louisiana State Police Headquarters on Independence Boulevard on Thursday morning, May 16 at 10 a.m.

On average, 150 police officers from various agencies are killed in the line of duty each year. Since 1925, 26 Louisiana State Troopers have lost their lives while serving the citizens of Louisiana. The most recent member of the Louisiana State Police family who made the ultimate sacrifice was DPS Corporal John Kendall, who was killed in the line of duty on August 9, 2011. He was a retired Sergeant with the Louisiana State Police who continued to serve as a DPS Officer. Prior to Corporal Kendall's death, the last trooper killed in the line of duty was Senior Trooper Duane Dalton of Troop D on January 12, 2010.

Each of the 26 courageous Troopers left behind loved ones who have had to endure their loss. It is for the family members of these fallen Troopers that we remember and pay tribute to them during this special ceremony.

A memorial poem will be read by retired Trooper Joe Kendall, son of Corporal John Kendall. Joe Kendall served the citizens of Louisiana as a State Trooper for nearly nine years, and was assigned to Troop L during his employment.

The public and media are invited and encouraged to attend. Please join Colonel Edmonson in honoring the service and sacrifices of our fallen and their families.