STATE POLICE GRADUATES ANNOUNCED
August 16, 2008
The Louisiana State Police Training Academy held graduation for State Police Cadet Class 90 on Aug. 8 at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy Auditorium in Baton Rouge. Twenty cadets from across the state took their official oath of office as they begin their careers of dedication, protection and service to the citizens of Louisiana.
In addition to honoring the newest troopers, State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson made a special presentation to the keynote speaker for the ceremony, retired Louisiana State Trooper Bobby Smith. Smith was shot in the face while performing his duties in 1986 with only three years on the job. The resulting injuries caused him permanent blindness. Since leaving the State Police, Smith has written two books, founded and currently serves as the director of FORTE (Foundation for Officers Recovering from Traumatic Events) and is a motivational speaker who routinely speaks to public safety agencies around the country about how to deal with traumatic events.
State Police Cadet Class 90 also recognized Louisiana National Guardsman Danny Titus, brother of graduating State Police Cadet Matthew Titus. Edmonson will present Danny Titus with the American flag that flew over the Training Academy throughout the cadets’ training. Titus was injured when a roadside bomb exploded while he was stationed in Baghdad in 2004.
Following is a list of graduates from Cadet Class 90 who have been assigned to St. Tammany Parish-based Troop L: Damien J. McAlister, August C. McKay III, Russell E. Sibley Jr. and Paul S. Strickland.
