ACADIANA (KLFY) — Today, marks one year since the Jeanerette standoff that resulted in the death of Lafayette Police Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette. 

Although Sr. Cpl. Jolivette is no longer with us, his family, fellow law enforcement and legislators are making sure his legacy lives on forever.

Former Opelousas Police Chief Martin McLendon shared what working alongside Jolivette was like.

“That badge, he wore with honor, he wore with dignity. And he had integrity.” McLendon said.

Many of Jolivette’s colleagues from multiple law enforcement agencies admired his loving personality and undying passion for being a police officer that began as a child in the jr. police program. That program has since seen even more success in his hometown of Opelousas.

“That’s what he always talked about. He always dreamed of wearing that white shirt.” Derrick Jolivette-Davis, Segus’ brother said.

Even after Jolivette’s funeral, the tributes did not stop. The Lafayette Police Department created a Tribute Wall at Precinct 4 where he worked. Also,

Louisiana State Police now has every cadet class carry Jolivette’s backpack with them each day of the academy since Jolivette was originally scheduled to join State Police in cadet class 105.

Segus’ mother, Mary Jolivette, shared a fond memory of son.

“Segus’ quote to himself was to ‘say where you want to be and don’t start to get there.’ He knew where he wanted to be and he didn’t stop until he accomplished it.” Mary Jolivette said.

Jolivette’s legacy would be etched in Louisiana history as Duson Police Chief Kip Judice would work with State Representative Chad Boyer to get the Segus Jolivette Act signed into state law. The law stated “Resisting a police officer with force or violence can now lead to a second-degree murder charge if it results in death.”

“As a former state trooper, you know, it always hits home when anybody, you know, loses their life in the line of duty. And anything that we can do to prevent this from happening again is is extremely important and critical for us.” Boyer said.

Segus’ Wife Alexis Jolivette added “The Segus Jolivette Act is to never have another family feel this type of pain that my family is enduring. This is definitely a part of just turning our pain into purpose.”

Even a year later, Jolivette’s kindness, passion, work ethic and memory is still felt across law enforcement and the state they serve.

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