Troop B History

Louisiana State Police Troop B, as it is presently known, is currently located in Kenner, Louisiana and serves six parishes surrounding the metropolitan New Orleans area. In 1922, under Act 120 Section 33, Troop B was the largest of eight districts created throughout the state, having a total of three inspectors assigned there. By virtue of its cultural and economic importance to the state, New Orleans remained one of the eight districts until Act 110 in 1942, which created the Department of Public Safety and designated the State Police as one of its divisions that are recognized today.

In 1936, Troop B Headquarters was located in the basement of the Civil Court building on Royal Street, bordered by Conti, St. Louis and Charters Streets. Today, this building houses the Louisiana State Supreme Court and is formally known as the Wildlife and Fisheries building. During World War II, Troop B was moved to the foot of the Huey P. Long Bridge, where 18 men (Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeant and the rest Troopers) shared the small office with Public Belt Railroad in a combined effort to protect this critical infrastructure from Axis saboteurs. The Huey P. Long Bridge was the only Mississippi River span in Louisiana. The first Commander of Troop B was Captain Bill Fakier (1936-1940). The Troopers' basic means of transportation during this time period was motorcycles and a Trooper's salary was approximately $135.00 a month.

In 1948, Troop B was again moved to 3832 Airline Highway, where two temporary wooden Army buildings had been moved from Camp Plauche and nailed together. This served as a more spacious facility and was shared with the Drivers License Division that was created in 1946 by Act 255. Communication was upgraded and the Troopers' radios were now the primary link to Troop B and the field. The radio antenna was located on the roof of Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Captain Francis T. Moore was one of the Commanders at the Airline Highway location and was the most distinguished. Captain Moore continued through his State Police career, holding the Assistant Superintendent position and eventually his appointment to Superintendent of State Police. He is the only Troop B person that has held this office.

The physical condition of Troop B on Airline Highway began gaining notoriety, and due to a newspaper article, it became a disgrace and embarrassment to the State of Louisiana. The roof leaked so badly that when it rained the Radio Operator had to cover himself and the radio with a raincoat. Further, termite infestation was causing the building to sink on its foundation. In 1961, Troop B was moved to a new brick building, located at 100 Veterans Boulevard in New Orleans, LA. Troop B shared this building with the Office of Motor Vehicles until 1995, when it moved to its present location in Kenner, LA.

In 1998, Troop B implemented the Motorcycle Patrol Operations Division which had become extinct around 1985. After a year of training, five Troopers at Troop B and three at Troop A were assigned to this division. Presently, the Motorcycle Division is coordinated from Headquarters and is comprised of approximately 32 Troopers.

Since 1922, Troop B has handled and investigated thousands of crimes and major crisis. Some of the historical crimes include prostitution rings, mafia crimes, theft and narcotics. Over the years, Troop B Troopers protected government property and secured the war efforts at the Delta Shipyard in New Orleans, handled civil disturbances from labor disputes in Elizabeth, LA and racial problems in Bogalusa and Plaquemines, LA. They maintained the peace at Destrehan High School during the racially motivated student murder. Troopers have investigated two grain elevator explosions, ship fires, plane crashes in Kenner and Lake Pontchartrain, the Destrehan Ferry disaster, the New Orleans Howard Johnson Hotel sniper, the NOPD strike, refinery explosions and the Desire Project Black Panther shootout. Troopers have assisted Louisiana's citizens in several major hurricanes including Betsy, Camille and Katrina, the 1984 World's Fair, Mardi Gras and several other events in our area.

Troop B has and continues to take pride in serving its citizens. The strength it possesses can be contributed to, not only the dedicated men and women of LSP, but also partnerships that have been created with other law enforcement agencies and the community throughout the area. Troop B will continue to strive to provide the utmost in Courtesy, Loyalty and Service; which are the elements of committed Troop B Troopers.

Troop B Commanders

* = Detailed Commander