Jeff Thompson Honored as Legislator of Year by State Trooper Association

Our good friend, Representative Jeff Thompson, who was extremely instrumental in helping us with the Hunters for the Hungry debacle and our "In God We Trust" efforts with Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington, has once again found himself in an extremely positive limelight. 

The Louisiana State Troopers Association recently announced three members of the Louisiana Legislature have been selected as its Legislators of the Year for 2013.  The three selected are Representative Jeff Thompson of Benton, Senator Neil Riser of Columbia, and Representative Chris Broadwater of Hammond.

In making the announcement, Lt. Frank Besson, President of the LSTA, stated, “These three gentlemen were selected for the roles they played in assisting us to procure the funding for five cadet classes over the next five years, beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year.  Without their efforts, it is likely that we would have gone at least another year before any new troopers could have been deployed to our troops throughout the state.  We are truly grateful for all that they have done for Louisiana State Police and the citizens of Louisiana.”

There had not been a new class cadets for four years. Due to retirements and departures from the department, staffing had fallen to levels not seen since 1981.  Authorization for these five classes will result in fifty new cadets being trained annually for the next five years in an effort to stem those losses and retirements.

"This is a great honor for me and I am humbled to be selected as Legislator of the Year by the Louisiana State Troopers Association. These Troopers put their lives on the line every day to help keep our families safe and to be recognized by those devoted to such a high calling is something I will always treasure”  Thompson said.

The Louisiana State Troopers Association is a non-profit organization whose mission includes protecting and promoting the welfare and interests of active and retired troopers as well as seeking constant improvement in the quality of service rendered to the citizens of Louisiana.  The LSTA annually recognizes legislators who have assisted in furthering that mission.