LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE
Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent
News Release March 18, 2009 Local Troopers and Civilians Receive Honors at LSP Awards Ceremony
On March 5, 2008 an annual awards ceremony was held in Baton Rouge at the Louisiana State Police Headquarters. Two local troopers and two civilians received distinguished awards at the ceremony.
Louisiana State Police Troop F Trooper John Nelson received the 2008 Uniformed Trooper of the Year Award. Trooper Nelson is an extraordinary trooper who epitomizes the core values of the state police. Trooper Nelson has only 3 years of service with the state police, but has nine years of previous law enforcement service, 5 years of which were with the New Orleans Police Department.
Trooper Nelson recently made an outstanding contribution to the Troop by organizing, managing, developing, and supervising a Public Safety Expo that was extremely successful in promoting police, fire, and EMS interagency cooperation. The expo was open to the public and promoted the services that each of these agencies provide to keep the people of Northeast Louisiana safe. Approximately 35 agencies were represented and about 5,000 people visited the expo.
Based on his knowledge of recent mall shootings and following a shooting incident on January 29, 2008 in which police were still searching for the suspect, Trooper Nelson took the initiative to patrol the area around the Pecanland Mall in Monroe. Trooper Nelson located the suspect in the shootings and with the assistance of security guard, Stan Johnson, apprehended the suspect prior to him entering the mall. The suspect, Raymond Hodges, was in possession of a shot gun at the time of his arrest.
Trooper Nelson's quick thinking and initiative were recognized by Colonel Mike Edmonson during a visit to Monroe that day.
Trooper Nelson's selfless service, dedication, work ethic and positive attitude have influenced not only other troopers, but other law enforcement officers as well.
Thank you and congratulations to Trooper John Nelson.
Also receiving awards at the ceremony were Sgt Rusty Cottingham, William Duchesne and John Storey.
On November 7, 2007, there was a major traffic crash on the interstate in Madison Parish. The crash involved an 18-wheeler and a pick-up truck pulling a camper trailer. Both vehicles were engulfed in flames as a result of the crash. Unaware of what chemicals the burning taker contained, Mr. Storey and Mr. Duchesne ran to the vehicles to assist. Both men were able to locate the driver of the 18-wheeler and carried the driver to safety. The driver of the 18-wheeler was the only survivor of the crash.
Sgt Cottingham had just completed an oversize load escort and was returning home when he saw the fiery crash. With selfless disregard for his own safety, in an effort to save lives, Sgt Cottingham ran towards the burning tanker with no knowledge of what materials the tanker contained. Sgt Cottingham helped Samaritans, Corey Jackson and Dwight Abraham, carry the only survivor away from the burning wreckage.
Mr. Duchesne and Mr. John Storey were awarded the Exceptional Bravery Award for Civilians. Sgt Cottingham was given a Lifesaving Award.
Thank you and congratulations to Sgt Cottingham, Mr. Duchesne and Mr. Storey.
We would also like to congratulate Sgt Cottingham for being promoted to the rank of lieutenant on March 17, 2009. Lt. Cottingham will continue to serve the citizens of this state as a shift lieutenant at Troop F. Contact Information,
Trooper First Class Mark Dennis
Louisiana State Police
Troop F Public Affairs
Office: (318) 345-281
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