LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- The Sixth Annual Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards luncheon was held in Lafayette, recognizing several Acadiana agencies with $40,000 grants for their impactful community service.

The event, organized by the Community Foundation of Acadiana, celebrated the achievements of law enforcement agencies across the state, including Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office, 31st Judicial District Attorney's Office of Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana State Police Troop NOLA and Duson Police Department.

"This is a statewide event which culminates here today over lunch," said Missy Bienvenu Andrade, President & CEO of Community Foundation of Acadiana. "For those agencies that win, they are able to receive a $40,000 grant."

Lauren Heinen, the District Attorney of Jeff Davis Parish, expressed gratitude.

"We are beyond excited as a parish with limited resources," said Heinen. "This is such a major blessing."

Sheriff Eddie Langlinais of Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office noted, "Leadership in our field is not about rank or recognition. It's about service, accountability, and setting an example worth following."

Chief Kip Judice highlighted the success of their juvenile justice program.

"In the last five years, we've had probably 15 offenders under the age of 17 commit crimes in our community and have put them through community service," Judice said. "We're proud to say we have zero reoffenders."

Colonel Robert Hodges, Superintendent of State Police, expressed excitement about the recognition of Troop NOLA for their hard work in reducing crime in New Orleans.

Sheriff Langlinais mentioned several initiatives by the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office, including an investigative support unit, a youth program, a school resource officer program, a citizen's academy, an autism awareness program and an elderly assistance program.

Chief Judice emphasized the importance of their juvenile justice program, which has successfully kept juvenile offenders from reoffending by involving them in community service.

Colonel Hodges highlighted the collaborative efforts between Troop NOLA and federal partners like the FBI, ATF and Homeland Security in reducing crime in New Orleans.

The awards not only recognize the hard work and dedication of these law enforcement agencies but also provide them with resources to continue their community-focused initiatives.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KLFY. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KLFY staff before being published.

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