LAFAYETTE, La. — The search for Lafayette’s next Chief of Police reached an important milestone on January 29, 2025, as the Lafayette Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board approved the scores for the Police Chief civil service exams during a public meeting. This marks a key step in the ongoing selection process, which aims to identify a new leader for the Lafayette Police Department.
The Louisiana Office of State Examiner reviewed the exam results and provided a list of qualifying candidates to the Board. With this approval, the administration will move forward with the next phase of the process, which includes preliminary background screenings followed by interviews. These interviews will be conducted by Lafayette Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet alongside a panel of community leaders and members of the Lafayette City Council.
Six candidates have qualified to move forward in the selection process. The list includes:
- Interim Lafayette Police Chief Paul Trouard
- Lafayette Police Sgt. Dorian R. Brabham
- New Orleans Police Capt. LeJon M. Roberts
- Deputy Colorado Springs Police Chief Martin D. Edmondson
- Joel F. Fitzgerald Sr., former police chief for Denver’s regional transportation district
- Special Agent Tom J. Burnside of the U.S. Secret Service’s Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information
The upcoming interviews will be a crucial step in evaluating the candidates, not only for their qualifications but also for their leadership abilities and vision for the future of the Lafayette Police Department. The interview panel will include diverse community members, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are taken into account during the process.
Panel members include:
- Marshal Reggie Thomas
- Mark Guidry, local businessman
- Pastor Bobby Richard
- Annie Spell, Ph.D.
- Pastor Deborah Young
- City Council Chair Kenneth Boudreaux
- City Council Vice Chair Liz Hebert
- City Councilman Elroy Broussard
- City Councilman Thomas Hooks
- City Councilman Andy Naquin
Mayor-President Boulet has emphasized the importance of selecting a leader who will bring both stability and strong leadership to the department. “The interview panel’s diverse perspectives will be invaluable in ensuring we find the best candidate to lead the department and Lafayette forward,” Boulet stated.
The final decision on Lafayette’s next Chief of Police is expected to be announced by the end of March 2025.