Published: 05-12-2026 | Category: Troop A
HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE
May 12, 2026
Louisiana State Police Holds Annual Awards and Promotions Ceremony
Baton Rouge – Earlier today, the Louisiana State Police held its annual awards ceremony to honor Troopers, public safety personnel, and civilians from across the state for performing above and beyond the call of duty in 2025. Along with those individuals receiving awards, commissioned personnel who have been promoted since December 2025 received special acknowledgment for their achievement. The ceremony was held this afternoon at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy Auditorium on Independence Boulevard in Baton Rouge.
The law enforcement award ceremony is a prestigious event that honors the bravery, dedication, and exemplary service of these women and men. Being recognized at such a ceremony reflects hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to upholding the law, protecting communities, and ensuring public safety. The recipients of these awards are often chosen based on their exceptional courage, quick thinking in high-pressure situations, successful operations that result in the apprehension of dangerous criminals, or significant contributions to crime prevention and community outreach programs. The law enforcement award ceremony is an opportunity to commend deserving individuals and showcase their professionalism and integrity.
For Trooper of the Year, Investigator of the Year, Communications Officer of the Year, and DPS Officer of the Year, all nominees are listed. An asterisk (*) indicates the award winner. Awards presented to these extraordinary individuals are as follows:
Distinguished Service Award - A classified employee of the Office of State Police who has demonstrated exceptional service, professionalism, and lasting impact on the State Police Service, the law enforcement profession, and the citizens of Louisiana.
Lieutenant Kory Borcherding
Master Trooper Charles Robertson
Superintendent’s Award - For individuals, sections, or troops in recognition of outstanding performance or achievement.
Troop E Chaplain Ray Swift
Blue Max Award – For the most recovered stolen vehicles with arrests in a twelve-month period.
Trooper Corey Harris
Meritorious Service Award – For performance of duty that exceeds normal expectations of duty and demonstrates an exceptional degree of good judgment, initiative, and competence.
Lieutenant Jason Hanemann
Sergeant Shawn Boyd
Sergeant Joseph Dessens
Sergeant Jordan McCormick
Trooper First Class Nicholas Rowell
Sergeant Michael Mercante
Sergeant Jack Uhle
Sergeant Tomas Quintero
Sergeant Cameron Crockett
Trooper First Class William Stogner
Trooper First Class Phillip Butcher
Trooper First Class Zavier Martin
Trooper First Class Tyler Laiche
Trooper Bryan Munch
Trooper Tyler Simmons
Trooper Joseph Rees
Trooper Charles “Cj” Seruntine
Sergeant Leander Journee
Investigator Jason Gagliano
Lieutenant Monty Montelongo
Sergeant Mathew Clair
Sergeant Jeffrey Theriot
Investigator Jordan McDempsey
Lifesaving Award – For any act which results in saving or sustaining the life of a person.
Trooper Kyle Hebert
Trooper Daniel Berrincha
Trooper John Wynn
Trooper Marc Gremillion
Trooper First Class Devin Pruitt
Trooper Alexander Winks
Trooper Kade Schufft
Trooper First Class Floyd Evans
Trooper First Class Trey McNeal
Sergeant Bruce Billings
Trooper Dwayne Rice
Trooper Terry Johnson
Civilian Lifesaving Award – Awarded to citizens for acts that result in saving or sustaining the life of a person.
David Fournier
Lester Fournier
Shea Fournier
Civilian Exceptional Bravery Award – For acts of bravery which result in the saving of a human life, or the attempt to do so, at the risk of one’s personal safety.
Joshua Gill
Jon Gusanders
Kaysee Seymore
Michael Pacheo
Larry Walker
Crystal Fields and K9s “Boogie,” “Regal,” “Ensey,” and “Mercy”
Lawrence Ervine and K9 “Aurnia”
Susan Hanson and K9 “Merk”
Holly Lofland and K9s “Knox” and “Nash”
Lisa Higgins and K9 “Penny”
Pat Meyers
Medal of Valor - For actions far beyond normal duties where there was a risk of great bodily harm, or in an emergency that saved a life while placing the officer in danger of serious injury.
Sergeant Nick Folse
Richard Honeycutt Award - For outstanding service and dedication to duty by a Communications Officer.
Amber Green - Communications Officer Supervisor
Colette Guidry - Communications Officer 3 *
Sarah Dillard - Communications Officer 3
DPS Officer of the Year Nominees - For consistent display of outstanding qualities that exemplify a member of the Department of Public Safety Police.
Corporal Robert “Bob” Morris
Corporal Christopher Tate *
Investigator of the Year - For consistent display of outstanding qualities that exemplify a member of the Department of Public Safety.
Investigator Anthony Pardo *
Investigator Zachary Daenen
Trooper of the Year Nominees - For consistent display of outstanding qualities that exemplify a member of the Louisiana State Police.
Sergeant Thomas Bellue, Jr. - Troop A
Trooper Shenandoah Jones - Troop B
Trooper Blaine Landry - Troop C
Trooper John Hays - Troop D
Trooper First Class Bradley Smith - Troop E
Trooper First Class Austin Douglas - Troop F
Trooper Michael Prothro - Troop G
Trooper First Class Jordan Regan - Troop I
Trooper Alexander Winks - Troop L
Trooper Cory Himel - Troop Nola *
Congratulations to these distinguished individuals who received an award and to those who have recently been promoted.
Contact Information:
Trooper Shelby Mayfield
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Phone: (225) 921-1384
Email: [email protected]