By JASON PUGH, NSU Sports Information Director

NATCHITOCHES — As twin brothers, Northwestern State baseball players Brooks and Bryce Leonard have always leaned on one another.

There may not have been a time when the Leonard twins needed that support more than Oct. 16, 2023. That day their mother, Janelle, FaceTimed Brooks, Bryce and their brothers Brayden and Baylor to tell her sons she had breast cancer.

“It was a moment of realization where it was like, ‘Wow. This is life.’” said Bryce Leonard, a key part of the Northwestern bullpen. “I never imagined a person close to me getting cancer. It’s hard to face it whenever it happened, but from there, we just had to figure out what to do with it and how best to treat her with it.”

Now sophomores, the Leonards – with Janelle in the stands — will take part in the second #ForkCancer game of their NSU career at 2 p.m. Saturday when the Demons host Southland Conference rival Nicholls in the middle game of a three-game series. The Northwestern athletic department will have #ForkCancer shirts available for fans while supplies last.

The series begins at 2 p.m. today – in an early start time due to a damp evening forecast — and finishes with  a 1 p.m. Sunday series finale. All three games will air on ESPN+.

Saturday’s game will come roughly 17 months after Janelle Leonard’s breast cancer diagnosis, which coincidentally came on the anniversary of her mother’s breast cancer surgery.

The diagnosis date came just months after the Leonards began their freshman year of college together, roughly a three-and-a-half hour drive from their hometown of Pierre Part. Adding another layer to this weekend’s emotions, Pierre Part is less than an hour from Nicholls’ campus.

In addition to balancing a new life away from home and the transition from high school to college athletics, the Leonards now had an additional variable factored into their changing lives.

The Leonards, though, still had each other.

“I can talk to Bryce about anything,” said Brooks Leonard, an outfielder who is part of the Demons’ right-field rotation. “He can talk to me about anything, especially about our mother. She would do anything for us, and we were able to be together, rooting for her.”

It is little surprise that Janelle Leonard and her husband, Jody, raised competitive sons.

Janelle Leonard is the head volleyball coach at Ascension Catholic in Donaldsonville. Her cancer diagnosis came during the stretch run of the prep volleyball season.

Despite hearing the words “you have cancer,” Janelle Leonard did not back down from coaching. Her team – like her sons – answered the call and pushed Ascension Catholic to a state tournament berth while their coach battled a personal five-set match.

“I had asked the doctor to see if I could wait until the end of the season to have surgery,” Janelle Leonard said. “That year, we ended up playing a team at the state tournament whose coach had passed away from kidney cancer the year before. They found out I had been diagnosed. Before the game, both teams prayed together, and they presented me with a rose and a card, saying they were praying for me.

“All our fans came out in pink, and their fans were wearing purple, which is the color for kidney cancer. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, seeing two different schools come together for cancer. I’m coaching our game and I look up and see Brooks and Bryce – actually three of my four boys came to that game. It was so very touching.”

Janelle Leonard’s second family proved just as important for her as her biological one.

“Her being with those girls she coached, her girls, that made her keep going,” Brooks Leonard said. “She always talks about it whenever we’re away from home. She talks about how she loves her girls and how she would do anything for them.”

Brooks Leonard recounted growing up it was Janelle Leonard who drove the boys an hour each way to Baton Rouge three times a week for practices and games.

It instilled plenty of memories for both mother and sons, and it carved out a special place in the twins’ minds and hearts for their mother – one that was challenged that October day.

“It put a bunch of things into perspective for me,” Bryce Leonard said. “Life happens. Everything was sunshine and rainbows until it wasn’t. Seeing the strongest person you know not be so strong because she can’t was like realizing superheroes aren’t real. It was a realization that she’s human just like we are. We’re going to have to be the same parents for our kids, and just the example she set for us has been amazing. Whenever it came to the point where she wasn’t strong enough, it was like, ‘Oh my God. What the heck?’”

The Leonard twins are part of a Demon baseball program whose goals include teaching life lessons through the game.

By the time the Leonards made their collegiate debuts in the 2024 season, they had a folder full of those lessons already learned.

“It’s not a matter of just maturity, but they learn the value of life and family, and they learn the values that we try to teach and instill within the baseball program a lot sooner than maybe some of the other guys on the roster,” second-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. “You have the ability to reach them on a pretty special level because of the things they’ve gone through in their life and the adversity they have gone through. It resonates with them a little bit more when those life lessons are brought up, and they’re able to help you with the remainder of the team and give some validity to the messages you’re trying to teach them.”

Janelle Leonard’s diagnosis came on Oct. 16, 2023, setting off a whirlwind month in which she was diagnosed, coached in a state tournament (Nov. 12), had cancer surgery (Nov. 14) and celebrated her birthday (Nov. 16).

Those various emotions likely will come up at some point Saturday when cancer survivors are honored at Brown-Stroud Field. They may hit a little harder if Bryce Leonard acts on an idea he has had.

His multi-colored glove from a season ago had various pink accents, including laces and Rawlings markings. He mused on the possibility of using it if he is called on to face the Colonels on Saturday.

“Pink games and cancer awareness are emotional,” Janelle Leonard said, “but it also makes me grateful that I’m here to share it. It could have been worse. The words you have cancer were hard, but also being told if there was any type of cancer to have, this is the ‘best’ one to have, that was good to hear.”

While reminiscing on the multiple childhood trips to Baton Rouge, Brooks Leonard recounted how his parents raised him and his siblings “right.”

It has been the Leonards’ turn to repay their parents in the years since – one that comes to a bit of a crescendo Saturday afternoon in Natchitoches.

“Last weekend at UNO (New Orleans), I was talking to (freshman pitcher) Jacob LeBlanc’s mom,” Janelle Leonard said. “I had met her a couple of weeks before. The boys talk about Jacob – they love Jacob – and she wanted to introduce herself. We were talking and she said, ‘I just want to tell you, Jacob told me that, mom, those boys love their mama so much.’

“We went through a struggle this year in our family where they were my biggest support, my biggest fans, my rocks. You think as a mom, you make a difference in their lives, but they made one in mine.”

Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu

Last Thursday, March 20, the Transformation Zone Multiplication Bee was held at Alexandria Middle Magnet School, bringing together the top math minds from Rapides Parish School Board’s seven transformation schools: Alma Redwine Elementary, Acadian Elementary, Huddle Elementary, Lessie Moore Elementary, L.S. Rugg Elementary, Martin Park Elementary, and Pineville Elementary.

After competing in classroom and school-wide bees, 21 incredible students from 3rd-5th grade advanced to the final round.

• 1st Place: Jaelynn, a 5th Grader from Acadian Elementary
• 2nd Place: Demontre, 5th Grader from Alma Redwine Elementary
• 3rd Place: Corbin Brown, a 5th Grader from L.S. Rugg Elementary

RPSB thanks the sponsors, Coach Reni Mason (LCU Head Men’s Basketball Coach) and Clay Matchett of Green Payments, for supporting this event. Every student walked away with a T-shirt, personalized backpack, and awesome math materials to keep the learning going.

The Main Branch of the Rapides Parish Library system will be unveiling its Community Heart on Thursday, April 10, at 10 a.m. The RPL invites the public to join them in the unveiling. 

Libraries are the hearts of their communities, and RPL and its branches are in the heart of Louisiana. What better way to celebrate National Library Week than with the unveiling of their community heart created in cooperation with Explore Alexandria/Pineville and designed by local artist Gavin Bridges. Join them for the unveiling, photo opportunities, and light refreshments.

Contact 318-445-2411 for more information.

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Join Louisiana Christian University and Theatre Louisiana Christian in celebrating their amazing seniors at their final TLC performance as students.

Stick around after the 7pm showing of Little Women: The Broadway Musical this Saturday, March 29, for a special recognition and their final bows. Get tickets here: purplepass.com/tlclittlewomen

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This Day in History: The Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident (1979)

On March 28, 1979, the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster occurred in Pennsylvania, marking the most serious accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history. A partial meltdown of Reactor Number 2 raised fears about nuclear energy safety and led to significant regulatory reforms. While no immediate deaths resulted from the incident, it fueled ongoing debates about nuclear energy’s risks and benefits, shaping global energy policies for decades.

Something on a Stick Day

For a lighter celebration, March 28 is recognized as National Something on a Stick Day, a fun food-themed observance dedicated to all things skewered—from corn dogs and kebabs to popsicles and marshmallows. Restaurants and food vendors embrace the holiday with creative menu items, and home cooks experiment with new ways to enjoy their favorite foods on a stick.

The Birth of Maxim Gorky (1868-1936)

Born on March 28, 1868, Maxim Gorky was a Russian writer, political thinker, and advocate for social change. His literary works, including The Lower Depths and Mother, captured the struggles of the working class and influenced socialist movements in Russia. Gorky’s impact extended beyond literature, as he played a role in shaping early Soviet ideology and cultural policies.

The First Direct-to-Home Satellite TV Broadcast (1983)

On March 28, 1983, the first direct-to-home satellite television broadcast was launched, revolutionizing the way people consumed media. This technological advancement allowed households to receive television signals directly from satellites, bypassing traditional cable networks. Today, satellite TV and streaming services continue to evolve, shaping how audiences access entertainment and information worldwide.

The City of Alexandria will see the return of Alex River Fete in May. This three-day fest – taking place over Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 1-3 – will feature Louisiana BBQ, live music, and local culture. From smoky flavors to to soulful sounds, this is where the best of Louisiana comes together. For more detail, check out the Alex River Fete website. 

“Free Community Concert”

Our oldest daughter, Heather, loved to sing, she still does.  When she was growing up, she sang in the church choir, she sang in the school choir, she sang in the car, and she probably even sang in the shower.  One time on family vacation, Heather and her little sister sang the entire soundtrack to “Grease” at the top of their voices much to the chagrin of their daddy.  I have always thought my daughter had an angelic voice, but I am her mom, so what do I know.

However, the more she sang, the more people took notice.  People who know a good voice when they hear it and could encourage her talent.  By middle school, she was telling us she wanted to go to a particular college and sing in their choir and be one of their “singing ambassadors.”  So, we got behind Heather and supported her vocal training to help her make her dream come true.  We also began to attend some of these college concerts to help her hear and see and inspire her to keep her dream alive.  By the time she graduated High School, she was ready.  It was a proud moment when all her hard work and effort paid off.  She made the choir!!

I tell you all of this to invite you to a free concert this Saturday, March 29 at 7:00 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Alexandria (2727 Jackson Street).  The UL College Choir is about to go on a European tour and their Chamber Sings under the direction of Dr. William Plumber, wants to preview some of their music in front of a live audience.  Help me welcome these singing ambassadors to our city. Bring your friends who love music.  Bring that young hopeful who might also have a dream to sing in a college choir one day. You never know who you might inspire.

On the journey,

Ramonalynn Bethley

Ramonalynn Bethley is the pastor at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. If you would like to contact Ramonalynn, please email her at DrRevRL@fumca.org

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This week’s wanted Wednesday is ol’ Sticky Fingers Michael W. Sander‍s himself. Sanders has a real problem with actually paying for the things he wants.

Sticky Finger Sanders seems to enjoy late-night escapades with his partner-in-crime, creeping around like a discount magician—except instead of pulling rabbits out of hats, he’s making items disappear from shelves. Whether it’s a midnight shopping spree without stopping at the register or a carefully coordinated duo act, Sanders seems to dodge the police better than Peter La Fleur dodges a ball.

If anyone knows where Sanders may be, send Pineville Police a message on Facebook or give them a call. All tips remain anonymous, and as always, everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions

March 26

Karisma Renee Batts, 19, Alexandria – violation of protective orders (non-violent first offense), $1,000 bail;

Michael James Dauzat, 53, Pineville – three counts pornography involving juveniles victim under 13 and offender over 17, two counts unlawful deepfakes, no bail data;

Sharanda Nicole Lewis, 41, Pineville – aggravated assault with firearm, unlawful telephone communication, simple assault, $2,000 bail;

Brittany Wavette McGlory, 35, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, illegal carry firearm with drugs, four counts contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Thomas Edward Tunny, 25, Pineville – Louisiana fugitive, possession of firearm by convicted felon, no bail data;

Leroy Turner, 36, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing distributing with intent controlled dangerous substances, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearms with drugs, drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of stolen firearms, no bail data;

March 25

Laken Nicole Afeman, 39, Hineston – domestic abuse battery with child present, $5,000 bail;

Christina Diane Bolgiano, 39, Pineville – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, four counts contempt of court, $14,000 bail;

Joshua Thomas Childrey, 46, Ball – theft, contempt of court, $10,500 bail;

Daniel Delaney, 25, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, three counts contempt of court, $8,000 bail;

Trevor Lee Delrie, 18, Alexandria – hit and run, open container, reckless operation, no driver’s license, $660 bail;

Jerimiah Enriquez, 24, Shreveport – producing manufacturing dispensing marijuana, criminal conspiracy, taking contraband in state-owned hospital, $40,000 bail;

Deroy Jones, 47, Alexandria – two counts possession of controlled dangerous substance, texting while driving, driver’s license required, four counts contempt of court, $10,700 bail;

Adrion Lamar Logan, 43, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, resisting an officer, $29,500 bail;

Clayton Mitchell, 48, Heflin – taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $10,000 bail;

Aletha Nicole Simon, 28, Baton Rouge – identity theft, misrepresentation while issuing misdemeanor summons, speeding, driver under suspension/revocation, resisting an officer, $2,200 bail;

Michael Wayne Smith Jr, 26, Pineville – aggravated assault with firearm, $20,000 bail;

Tanya Renee Turner, 59, Oakdale – domestic abuse battery, $1,000 bail.

 March 24

Arkarius Brown, 23, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, $1,500 bail;

Terry Byrd, 22, Cottonport – aggravated battery strangulation of dating partner, criminal damage to property, $25,500 bail;

Michael Wayne Collins Jr., 21, Alexandria – two counts second degree murder, six counts second degree aggravated battery, two counts simple battery, taking contraband to and from penal institutions, $2,246,000 bail;

Nataniel Demontre Cyriaque, 26, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, $1,000 bail;

Jeffrey Dale Gordon, 32, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing controlled dangerous substance with intent, contempt of court, $75,000 bail;

Keisha Renee Green, 35, Alexandria – two counts first degree murder, second degree battery, contempt of court, $1,175,000 bail;

Jason Dean Guy, 45, Pineville – possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, four counts contempt of court, $18,545 bail;

Debra A. Douzat Holt, 59, Pineville – criminal damage to property, contempt of court, $1,500 bail;

Tyler Mitchell Jeffrey, 39, Deville – six counts contempt of court, $120,000 bail;

Mario Lotts, 52, Pineville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Kenneth Mead Moran III, 37, Ball – second degree battery, possession of controlled dangerous substance, paraphernalia, $11,500 bail;

James Timothy Powell, 49, Deville – four counts contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Jed Rushing Sr, 58, Alexandria – possession of controlled dangerous substance, rear lamps bicycle, $2,600 bail;

Jessie Earl Williams, 56, Alexandria – aggravated battery, $20,000 bail.

March 23

Faron Pernell Ashmore II, 34, Pineville – resisting an officer, three counts contempt of court, $41,500 bail;

Linda Marie Bonnette, 42, Pineville – 12 counts forgery, theft, nine counts contempt of court, $26,000 bail;

Demichael Deandre Liggins, 32, Alexandria – two counts producing manufacturing dispensing with intent controlled dangerous substances, no evidence of insurance, no driver’s license, resisting an officer, aggravated battery of police officer, possession of controlled dangerous substance, parole violations, $120,700 bail.

Pineville High School is proud to announce that some of their brilliant students have earned spots in Who’s Who. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for excellence. The students are as follows.

Malak Abdel-Jabbar
Ella Clancy
Morgan Cox
Mallory Edwards
Madelyn Halle
Isabella Huffman
Chloe Hughes
Rosalie Jones
Noah Langford
Westin Oates
Kelsey Stuckey
Qusai Zeidan 

NATCHITOCHES — Another personal best helped Pineville product Maygan Shaw earn her latest Southland Conference track and field honor Wednesday.

The Northwestern State senior sprinter was named the SLC Women’s Track Athlete of the Week for the second time this season, the league announced Wednesday.

She was one of many Northwestern competitors to post a personal best last Saturday in the outdoor season opener at LSU’s Lurline Hamilton Invitational. Shaw brought home the event crown in the 400-meter dash (52.33) and won as part of the 4×400 relay (3:36.03) while taking second as a member of the 4×100 relay team (45.06).

Shaw not only leads the conference in the 400 and as a member of both the 4×100 relay and the 4×400 teams, but she also ranks third in the NCAA in the 400, and is among foursomes who are seventh in the NCAA in the 4×400 and 25th in the NCAA in the 4×100 relay.

The other time she earned the conference weekly award this year was the first indoor award of the season in January.

A Class 5A state 400 meter champion for the Lady Rebels, Shaw began her NSU career in 2022 by winning SLC Freshman of the Year honors. Since she was been All-Louisiana, has won multiple SLC event championships, has been Academic All-Southland, and has been a mainstay for a Lady Demons team that has won four Southland Conference team championships, including three in a row indoors and the 2024 outdoor title.

For her performances at the recent 2025 SLC Indoor Championships, Shaw was voted conference Female Track Athlete of the Year by the league’s coaches.

Not only did Shaw dominate individually, she was also a member of that 4×400 relay team. At the SLC meet, Shaw broke an SLC indoor meet record in the 400-meter dash, running a 52.97, finishing more than a second ahead of second place in the 400.

She also was a member of the 4×400 relay, which clinched the conference championship after winning the gold, overtaking Lamar for the championship.

Even prior to the indoor meet, Shaw broke records seemingly every meet. In the 400 at the Tyson Invitational, she broke the school record by clocking a 52.90.

She also broke the conference record on multiple occasions as a member of the 4×400 relay team.

Shaw and her Northwestern teammates make their annual trip to the Texas Relays and Bobcat Invitational for three-day meets, beginning today in central Texas at Austin and San Marcos. Shaw will compete in Austin.

When Tyler Jordan shot a huge buck on December 7, 2020, he made a prediction that fortunately didn’t hold true.

“I may never shoot another 190-inch buck. I’m in the woods a lot and I have never seen a buck that size,” Tyler told me when I wrote the story about a huge buck he had taken, a buck that scored 190 4/8 inches of mass. The buck earned the name of “Stomper.”

Jordan was hunting in Catahoula Parish on the 20,000-acre Honey Brake property when he took the buck. Fast forward four years when Jordan, now age 32, encountered a buck that has earned the name of Stomper, Jr. because of similar genetics as Stomper.

The son of Bill Jordan, founder and CEO of Real Tree, Tyler works in the marketing department of the company. He lives in Columbus, Georgia.

“We became interested in Honey Brake in 2018 and would bring business guests down to duck hunt. We had no idea at first that the property was capable of producing quality deer but as we learned what the folks at Honey Brake were doing, our interest was piqued,” said Jordan.

Putting out trail cameras this past September, plenty of quality bucks began showing up but it was not until November 1 that Stomper Jr. started showing up on cameras.

“We purchased a ground blind to set up on the food plot where we felt was the best chance to see the deer. One afternoon, two minutes after legal shooting hours had ended, Stomper Jr. showed up at 20 yards. A cameraman and I were in the blind and apparently the buck saw the camera light and he spooked and took off. We didn’t see any more evidence of him for 2 ½ weeks,” Jordan recalled. “It became an issue of looking for favorable weather when deer would more likely to be active.

“On December 2, I checked the weather forecast and it looked like things would be pretty decent and I felt that if deer would move at all, it might be then. We had the north wind we needed and on the morning of December 3, he showed up four minutes before legal shooting time,” he said.

Setting up a ground blind in the area where the photos of Stumper Jr. were taken, Jordan got in the blind around 2:30 the afternoon of December 5.

“There was plenty of action as does and smaller bucks were displaying rutting activity and then at 5:10, I looked up and there stood Stomper Jr. I shoot a Franchi .308 and got on him. When I hit the trigger, he dropped on the spot,” Jordan said.

The rack the 250-pound buck carried was mind boggling. There were 14 points, evenly distributed on each side and the inside spread was 19 5/8 inches. Main beams were 26 ½ inches each with bases measuring 5 2/8 and 5 1/8. The buck was determined to be 6 ½ years old.

The tale of the tape measured a gross score of 203 inches with the net score being 192 3/8 inches.

The previous Louisiana state record for typical whitetail bucks is a record that has held since 1939 when Marshall McKay downed a massive buck in Madison Parish that measured 186 6/8 inches. After a drying time of 60 days, it is very likely that Tyler Jordan can lay claim to a new Louisiana state record for typical bucks.

Well Tyler, you won’t ever be able to say what you told me in 2020 that you may never shoot another 190-inch deer. You just did.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com.

World Theatre Day

Since 1962, March 27 has been recognized as World Theatre Day, an international celebration of performing arts. Established by the International Theatre Institute, this day honors the contributions of playwrights, actors, directors, and stage crews in shaping cultural expression across the globe. Theatrical performances, panel discussions, and special events are held worldwide, emphasizing the power of theater in storytelling and social change.

This Day in History: The Deadliest Aviation Disaster (1977)

On March 27, 1977, the world witnessed one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history when two Boeing 747s collided on a foggy runway at Tenerife’s Los Rodeos Airport in the Canary Islands. The crash, caused by miscommunication and poor visibility, resulted in 583 fatalities. The tragedy led to significant changes in air traffic control procedures, crew communication protocols, and safety regulations that continue to shape modern aviation.

The Launch of the First Successful Weather Satellite (1960)

On this day in 1960, TIROS-1, the world’s first weather satellite, was launched by NASA. This groundbreaking achievement revolutionized meteorology, providing real-time weather imaging for the first time. TIROS-1 paved the way for advanced satellite technology, improving storm tracking, climate monitoring, and disaster preparedness. Today, weather satellites play a crucial role in forecasting severe weather events and mitigating their impact on communities worldwide.

Quentin Tarantino’s Birthday (1963)

One of the most influential filmmakers of modern cinema, Quentin Tarantino, was born on March 27, 1963. Known for his bold storytelling, nonlinear narratives, and stylized violence, Tarantino has directed some of the most celebrated films in Hollywood, including Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Django Unchained. His impact on filmmaking and pop culture continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Tuesday Governor Jeff Landry had a press conference at the Rapides Parish Renaissance Facility to announce that the state will build a new $39 million modern secure facility as an addition to Renaissance.

Some of the funds will also be utilized to renovate Renaissance’s existing dorm. The state will also assist in paying for the facility’s annual operations through its Office of Juvenile Justice Department.

Adjacent sister parishes will be paying to participate in the project.

The new facility will provide Rapides Parish with 32 guaranteed juvenile beds (the current facility operates with 12 beds) with an additional 13 available to Rapides if needed, and a more modern and secure overall facility.

This will come at no additional cost to Rapides taxpayers, officials said.

Rapides Parish taxpayers will still get what they voted for – the $2.3 million annual tax will fund the existing facility.

But they will now get a larger, more modern and secure facility thanks to the state.

The Town of Ball Police Department honored former Assistant Chief Carl Bordelon with a plaque at the town’s Officer Memorial Wall on March 24. 

Bordelon passed away from natural causes on January 10, 2015, while on duty. In remembrance and honor of Bordelon, his badge number, BL3, has been retired. 

The memorial ceremony event, organized by current Ball Chief of Police Marshall Deen, Bordelon’s fiancée Alicia Leggett, and BPD, brought together Bordelon’s family members and law enforcement officers from nearby departments. 

Pollock Police Chief Chris Paul was one of the speakers at the ceremony. Chief Paul recounted Bordelon’s instrumental role in securing the BPD’s first K-9 dog and shared more about who Bordelon was.

“Carl was a good man. A lot of people sometimes look at a law enforcement officer while they’re in uniform and won’t approach them, but you didn’t have that problem with Carl,” Paul shared. “He was going to approach you. He would ask about your family, how’s your wife doing, things like that—whether he was in uniform or just out in town. Very friendly person and everyone respected him here.”

Ethan Looney, Bordelon’s nephew, also spoke at the ceremony. Looney followed in his uncle’s footsteps by becoming a police officer at the same station. He shared how his Uncle Carl’s influence shaped his life and career choices. 

“He taught me, without even saying a word, that this life is about how many lives you can touch, not how much money you can make,” he said. “He painted the perfect picture of what I believe a police officer should be – not just a ticket writer, not just someone who goes and chases the bad guy, but someone who touches lives in different ways.

“I’m glad that this is happening. It shows the fellow officers coming after him that the town cares about them and that their lives matter. I just want to thank him for being such a good role model. I hope he’s looking down, watching over all of us, and continues to guide me as I continue my career,” Looney added.

The memorial plaque is located at the Town of Ball’s Park and Walking Trail, behind the gazebo.