Why flags will be lowered in Louisiana Thursday

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Gov. Jeff Landry ordered flags to be flown half-staff Thursday, May 15, in honor of fallen officers for Peace Officers Memorial Day.

An executive order signed Monday ordered U.S. and Louisiana flags to be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and public buildings until sunset Thursday.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund announced the 345 fallen law enforcement officers added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in 2025. Three Louisiana officers who died while in the line of duty have been engraved.

• Russell R. Coxton, Dubach Police Department
• Segus R. Jolivette Sr., Lafayette Police Department
• Alfred E. Kelly Karlton, Tangipahoa Parish Constable’s Office

National Police Week from May 11-17

Peace Officers Memorial Day falls during National Police Week. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a resolution calling for increased health and safety measures for law enforcement. The legislation urges Congress to support officers’ safety and well-being through more policing personnel, improved training and equipment, tougher penalties for the assault or killing of an officer, and increased mental health resources.

“As hostility toward police officers grows, threats to their safety increase. We must support those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” Cassidy said.

Leaders from Louisiana associations for sheriffs and police chiefs voiced their support for the resolution.

“We endorse this resolution’s call for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well being of our law enforcement professionals. Our officers deserve the full support of the communities and the nation they so faithfully serve. Let us honor their service not only with words but through concrete actions that empower them to continue their essential work. We would like to thank Senator Cassidy for being the author of this resolution and for his continued support of Law Enforcement.”
Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Fabian Blache

“Efforts like your resolution that bring greater awareness and appreciation to the sacrifices of our officers goes a long way in helping our sheriffs and police chiefs recruit and retain our forces. At the same time, it also builds a greater community understanding and appreciation which is critically needed for law enforcement work.”
Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Kevin Cobb

Latest Posts