Missouri man charged with sexual battery, accused of aggravated incest with Lafourche victim
June 7, 2017
BALL NEVER STOPS!
June 8, 2017
When President Donald Trump signed two bills into law designed to benefit law enforcement officers, a local lawman was among those to witness the event.
Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre traveled to Washington D.C. with other members of the National Sheriffs’ Association for the enactment of the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act of 2017 and the Public Safety Officers Benefits Improvement Act of 2017.
Trump signed the documents in the White House Diplomatic Reception Room.
The American Law Enforcement Heroes Act authorizes law enforcement grantees of the Justice Department’s community policing COPS program to use money to hire veterans. The Public Safety Officers Benefits Improvement Act works to decrease the waiting time before family members of public safety officers killed in the line duty receive survivor benefits .
It was the first time in a decade Webre had been to the White House. The last time was as president of the Sheriff’s Association. But this time was different.
“I have never participated in a bill signing event,” Webre said. “These are two bills that so directly affect law enforcement and show this administration’s strong resolve in support of law enforcement. Most law enforcement agencies will tell you that law enforcement did not receive clear, unambiguous support at the national level over the past eight years. It was a very welcome breath of fresh air, and one example of the firm commitment we are receiving.”
One would hope never to have to use the survivor benefit elements, Webre said.
“But in some cases there have been horror stories involved with families getting a claim processed,” said Webre, who also praised the COPS veterans bill. In addition to easing the path into law enforcement for veterans who seek that
career, Webre explained, the incentives mean there is more potential for veterans to police local streets. Their experience, coming from the military into the paramilitary, will benefit communities overall, he said.
“The legislation signed today is another important step to fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to support law enforcement, assist veterans striving to our join our profession and speed up the slow process of providing needed benefits to families of fallen deputies and officers,” the NSA president, St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne said. “This administration is dedicated to listening to our ideas, hearing our concerns and is acting swiftly to help law enforcement protect our citizens and make our communities safer.”
Webre joined Champagne with the sheriffs of Chester County, Pa., Ohio counties Wood and Fayette and Cass County, N.D.
National Sheriffs’ Association director John Thompson was also present.
The National Sheriffs’ Association, a booster of the legislation, represents more than 3,000 elected sheriffs nationwide.
The fact that he has been a prior visitor to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington did not in any way diminish the thrill of being there for Webre.
“It never goes away,” Webre said. “We are in there, this big mystical place where laws get made and it’s on the news 24 and seven.”
Webre was reminded of his elementary school civics lessons and programs.
“I don’t think you can ever get not impressed by the presence of the center of government of the most powerful nation in the free world.”
