Policemen honored

Crowley police officers Sharon Mott and Marcus Deville served as members of the color guard during a mass at First Presbyterian Church. The mass was held to honor police officers who have died in the line of duty.

Photo by: Howell Dennis

By Howell Dennis
CITY EDITOR

CROWLEY – Area officers, local dignitaries, and appreciative citizens joined at First Presbyterian Church in Crowley Thursday evening for a service held in memory of those police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Several relatives of fallen Crowley officer Richard Newman were in attendance.
“I’ve been hoping to have this service moved to this church for some time,” said the Rev. Jimmy Broussard, himself a Crowley police officer. “I am very happy to be able to host it here.”
Crowley Chief of Police K.P. Gibson read a proclamation by Mayor Greg Jones stating that Thursday, May 8, 2008 was to be recognized as Police Officer Memorial Day.
The service was a solemn one as the faces and profiles of Louisiana officers who died in the line of duty during 2007 were shown on a screen. Rev. Broussard read a moving poem which was written by the child of a deceased officer.
Betty Newman Perry, the widow of officer Newman, spoke to the congregation thanking them for coming and showing their respect.
“It is my hope to see this church filled for this service next year,” she said.
The closing prayer was read by Pastor Lloyd Singley.
The service’s Honor Guard were Crowley officers Sharon Mott, Marcus Deville, Richard Baudoin, and Burton Gautreaux II.
Dignitaries in attendance including Crowley Alderman Lyle Fogleman, District Judge John Trahan, and Alderwoman Mary Melancon.