Longtime recruit commander, Sgt. David Duplantier retires after 34 years with NOPD

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — After 34 years of being on the force, the New Orleans Police Department’s Recruit Commander is now retiring.

Sgt. David Duplantier experienced a lot during his time serving over the years, and on Wednesday, he took the time to reflect on his career with WGNO’s Kenny Lopez.

Duplantier’s been motivating recruits while serving with the NOPD for the last 34 years. He’s helped train 50 recruit classes, but now it’s time for him to go.

“I think I’ll quote Barry Sanders. I love football. He says his ‘desire to retire, outweighed his desire to play’. I guess I just desired a change after 34 years,” he said.

It is time after successfully achieving his desire to help change the lives of the recruits he trains.

“It’s fulfilling to see people on the streets doing a good job, knowing that I played a part in it. It is a hard job because you tend to see a lot of beauty, but you see a lot of ugly. We got good people on this job, and they sacrifice every day,” Duplantier said.

It was a sacrifice Duplantier was willing to bravely make when he graduated from the NOPD Academy back in 1991.

“Makes you feel good, like there’s a purpose there,” he said.

(Sgt. Duplantier at his graduation from the NOPD Academy in 1991 with his mother.)

Now that he just celebrated his 59th birthday he’s reflecting on how much he’ll miss his brothers and sisters on the force.

“That’s family. Not disappearing, not dying, not going anywhere, but it is hard to know that family is there, but you’re going away from them,” Duplantier said.

And like Barry Sanders, he has a quote of his own he wants recruits to remember.

“Be safe, be smart,” he said.

Duplantier said his next move will be working reserves for the NOPD for special events.

He also says now that he’s retiring, he will enjoy relaxing and sitting on his porch with his dog.

(Sgt. Duplantier with his mother and father at his graduation from the NOPD Academy in 1991.)

Latest Posts