Heroes Farewell: September 2023

Hundreds of people attended a special unveiling of the marble memorial in front of the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center in Covington Tuesday morning, a memorial etched with the names of 11 police officers who had given their lives in the line of duty over the past 60 years.

The monument is located across the main entrance walkway from the Armed Services Memorials which were placed in front of the Justice Center several years ago.

Here are some photographs of the Tuesday morning occasion.

Jeff Mayo uncovers the memorial as Parish President Pat Brister, Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz and Covington Mayor Mike Cooper look on.

Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz emceed the program, telling how the monument project began and who helped it along the way.

Mayor Mike Cooper
The mayor said the day was a solemn day as they remembered all those law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. "As we gather here today, let us also remember the families who sacrifice each day when their officer, detective or trooper put on their badge and leave for work," the mayor said. "I pray we never have the need to add the names of others to this monument."

Senior Pastor of Trinity Church in Covington, Dr. Michael Sprague, delivered the invocation, saying that the memorial would help the community remember the heroes who gave their lives to protect their citizens and families. "To insure that we will remember heroes who answered the call, kept the faith, upheld their values, dedicated their all," he said.

Their calling was noble and we are proud of each of them, Dr. Sprague concluded.

The raising of the law enforcement memorial flag

The families of the fallen officers were given special recognition

Parish President Pat Brister
She commended all those police offices who place their lives on the line every day to protect the families of St. Tammany Parish.

Eddie Fielding was credited as the source and providing expertise for the production of the marble monument. Parish Concrete donated the concrete for the base of the memorial, Accent Lawncare provided the landscaping and sod, and Kent Construction was thanked for its help with the project. Donors were thanked for contributing to the funding for the work. The monument did not cost the taxpayers a penny, Chief Lentz stated.

The Covington Fire Department flew a large American flag from its ladder truck.

Chief Lentz recognized a number of dignitaries in the audience, including former Sheriff Pat Cannulette, at right, and Schools Superintendent Trey Folse.