Scarlet Scoop doors to re-open next week
May 10, 2016
It is what you make of it
May 10, 2016
The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office lost an officer late last month.
He’s being remembered for his kindness, reliability and love for others.
Sgt. Daryl James Lasseigne, 59, died unexpectedly on April 27 at his home.
Sgt. Daryl was a sergeant with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, working primarily at the LPSO Transitional Work Program – a position he’d been in for nearly a decade.
Sgt. Daryl wasn’t married and didn’t have children. He is survived by his father, Jerry Lasseigne, brother Lynn Lasseigne and sister Gwen L. Foret.
Those closest to the man said that he was one of a kind – the type of lawman who always was willing to help out anyone who was in need.
“He was always there – he always made himself available to do anything we needed at any time – nights, weekends, whatever we needed, he was available to do it and willing to help,” said Capt. Milfred Zeringue, commander of the Lafourche Transitional Work Program. “He was just a good guy – always in a good mood and always one who showed that he cared about his work and the things he was doing.”
As a lawman, it was that diligence and reliability that allowed Sgt. Daryl to thrive.
But he also succeeded because of a rich care for those around him – even the inmates who were in the custody of the LPSO.
Zeringue said Sgt. Daryl had a rare ability to show people that he cared.
When on the job, he always shared information with inmates about jobs and other opportunities that would be available to them once they were no longer in custody.
Zeringue said when news got out of Sgt. Daryl’s passing, the halls of the Lafourche Transitional Work Program were quiet and somber – something that Zeringue said is the ultimate sign of respect for a lawman.
“Some of the workers really were hit hard when they found out that he had died,” Zeringue said. “They were really remorseful and sorry to hear that he would no longer be with us.”
“Personally, Daryl was by far one of the kindest people you could ever meet,” added Major Renee Brinkley, a LPSO Corrections Department Head.
Away from work, Sgt. Daryl had three main hobbies – he loved to cook, he loved animals and he enjoyed spending time with family.
When in the kitchen, folks around Daryl claim that he was a whiz – especially with traditional Louisiana dessert dishes.
Everyone around him found that out first-hand, because he’d share his dishes with just about everyone he knew.
Zeringue said he remembers many days when Sgt. Daryl would come into work with his arms chalked full with Mason jars filled with homemade jelly or jam, which he’d distribute to his colleagues.
“He loved to cook,” Zeringue said. “Daryl was always offering us something. He was always willing to share with us anything he prepared.”
The dishes were tasty, too – often the talk of the water cooler for several days after their completion.
“He made the absolute best strawberry preserves,” Major Brinkey said.
As an animal lover, Daryl had a passion for saving animals who were in danger. He was once the President of Hope for Animals – a position that allowed him to make a lot of friends in the Houma-Thibodaux area.
Major Brinkley said she remembers the day her old friend picked up, then adopted a stray. The look in Sgt. Daryl’s eyes when talking about the dog was pure love.
“He was so proud,” she said.
When with family, Sgt. Daryl showed the same love and compassion as he did when on the time clock.
Zeringue said Sgt. Daryl’s father had cancer recently, and the proud son would take his dad to and from treatments – never complaining about the task at hand.
The elder Zeringue is in remission now – something that Zeringue said was a huge source of pride for Sgt. Daryl.
When not tending to his father, Sgt. Daryl also was active with his nephews, often following them in their school endeavors.
“He’d always be talking about a band concert or a sports game – really anything that he was doing,” Zeringue said. “He was proud of those kids.”
That ability to stay upbeat rubbed off on others, as well.
Lieutenant Michael Leclair, deputy commander of the Transitional Work Program, said he will miss his former colleague, calling him a man who had an impact on everyone he met – a positive one at that.
“Daryl was the kindest and humblest man I’ve ever met in my life,” Leclair said. “He is missed and loved by many.
“Rest in peace, my brother.” •
