
List of Officers Killed in Northwest Louisiana
Today marks 7 years since Officer Thomas LaValley was killed in the line of duty in Shreveport on August 5, 2017. 3 years ago, his killer Grover Cannon avoided the death penalty and was sentenced to life in prison. Officer LaValley was out on a routine call when Cannon shot and killed him, taking his life at the age of 29.
Everyone who knew Thomas will tell you what a kind and funny man he was. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was an avid New Orleans Saints fan. Even his cat "Drew" was named for his favorite Saints player.
LaValley's close friend, Chris Redford tells KEEL News "Thomas was family to me. We worked together every single day as the crime team at KTBS. Even after he left to join SPD, we talked every single day including the day he was killed. That kid meant the world to me and there's not one day that goes by I don't think about and miss him."
So, today, we not only pause to remember Thomas. We also pause to remember all of the other officers who prematurely were killed in the line of duty in northwest Louisiana.
From Thomas LaValley to Chateri Payne, we salute the officers who have fallen while attempting to serve their communities.
Officers Killed in the Line of Duty in Northwest Louisiana