Lafourche Sheriff recognizes local heroes

Middle school student threatened to “rape and kill”
September 30, 2016
Gernice Bourg
October 4, 2016
Middle school student threatened to “rape and kill”
September 30, 2016
Gernice Bourg
October 4, 2016

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre got to honor more than 100 of his employees at the 23rd annual Pride Awards Banquet, an event that recognizes those who adhere to his personal motor for the department, “Whatever it takes.”

The employee-supported banquet, which was held Saturday at the Larose Civic Center, recognizes not only employees who face great danger by going above and beyond, but the long-standing accomplishments and dedication of retiring members of the force.

This year the supervisor of Webre’s tax section, Annette Every, received the coveted Sheriff’s Star for outstanding years of dedication. Every began her career as a tax clerk in 1988 and since that time has been singled out for courtesy and thoughtful service by members of the public.


Retiring employees recognized for their service were McLean Chaisson, Robert “Bubba” Trotti, Wayne Foret, and Edell Price.

Deputy Karla Loupe received a Lifesaving Award for rescuing 13-year-old from a burning vehicle, following a crash involving two 18-wheelers in November. Lifesaving awards also went to Louisiana Probation and Parole District Manager Corey Acosta and Agents Jon Barbera, Eddie Fannin and Mike Delong for reviving a one-year-old boy who was choking at a Thibodaux restaurant in October, 2015. Additionally, Port Allen Police Officer Robert Cannon was recognized for his efforts in helping save the life of a man who had crashed into Bayou

Chevreuil in July. Four private citizens – Derik Webre, Connor Cazenave, Kevin Scioneaux, and Gabriel Rouge – were also recognized for their efforts in that crash.


Detective Sgt. Baron Cortopassi and Det. Jeff Chamberlain each received Distinguished Service Awards. Cortopassi was the lead detective in a Lockport armed robbery. Chamberlain worked the case involving the death of Cordaryle Robert of Slidell this past summer after his vehicle was found burning in a sugar cane field in Thibodaux. Captain J.P. deGravelles received a Distinguished Service Award for his innovation which led to a proactive approach to collection of court fees and fines. Lieutenant Valerie Martinez, Lieutenant Wanda Wawrose, Lieutenant Michael Leclair, Reserve Captain Paul Lefort Jr., Deputy Dodie Fuselier, Larry Chamberlain were also honored with Distinguished Service Awards for their years of dedication to the agency.

The Lafourche Parish Detention Center’s C-Shift received a Unit Commendation for their outstanding work responding to a lightning strike and a fire at the jail in two separate incidents this past summer. Lt. John Champagne, Lt. Valerie Martinez, Sgt. Adam Dufrene, Agent Jason Fallon and Agent Martin Gutierrez were recognized for their investigation into human trafficking in South Lafourche.