Acadiana's News Leader State Police Celebrate Anniversary

State Police Celebrate Anniversary

Louisiana. They strive to keep each and every one of us safe everyday. And today they celebrated their 75 year history, at their headquarters in Baton Rouge.

The 28th is the day State Police was effectively created by then Governor Huey P. Long in 1936. It's been 75 years full of challenges for the department, but they've always stood strong.

"We've got a colorful past. We've been involved in a lot of different things. What remains true here today is the integrity of why we wear this badge," says State Police Superintendent, Colonel Mike Edmonson.

Integrity and the service of current, former, and fallen troopers were honored at Wednesday's ceremony.

"State Police is responsible for developing me into the law enforcement man I am today. The discipline, the organizational skills, the experience," explains St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz, who retired from State Police in 2005.

A film was shown that highlighted the history of state police. From the beginning to now, battling corruption, fighting crime, and protecting citizens has always been at the forefront.

"It's been a real ride, a good ride. We have a lot to be proud of individually and collectively," says Ben Pressburg, an Opelousas native, and now president of the Retired Louisiana State Troopers Communication Network.

Bob Courtney, the man who put the video history together for the 50th anniversary as well as this one, was given the Superintendent's award for excellence.

 As a whole,  former troopers were happy to see familiar faces.

"It's just great to come back to see the fellas and see the men and women I worked with, that I trained with. It's just a great feeling," says Guidroz.

Recently, budgetary concerns have forced State Police to work more efficiently. But as in the past,  they say they will evolve and overcome challenges.

Pressburg proclaims, "Louisiana State Police is resilient they are gonna come back strong and they're going to be better than before."

Doug MacDiarmid