Over $50,000 Raised in Lafourche for Police Officers Killed or Injured in Recent Shootings

Sheriff Craig Webre announced more than $50,000 has been raised locally in Lafourche Parish to assist officers recently killed or injured in the line of duty. Law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders from agencies throughout the parish teamed up to hold can shakes throughout the parish on Saturday, July 16. That effort, plus private donations before and after, as well as an internal fundraiser involving Sheriff’s Office employees, helped contribute to a total.

The initial effort, called “Support Dallas #BackTheBlue”, was to raise money for Dallas police officers killed or injured in the incident which occurred July 7. Less than 24 hours following the can shake fundraiser, another incident occurred in Baton Rouge, taking the lives of three police officers and leaving others injured. Based on the overwhelming generosity, fundraiser organizers decide to split the money between Dallas and Baton Rouge to aid officers and their families in both locations.

Sheriff Webre said the generosity of the citizens of Lafourche Parish is what allowed for the substantial donations of $25,000 to each group of officers. “Obviously, this effort was conceived and geared to go to Dallas officers, but within 24 hours of the unbelievable outpouring of support from our citizens, we had another tragic incident where three more officers were assassinated,” said Sheriff Webre. “This time, it was closer to home in Baton Rouge. Due to the unbelievable success and funds raised beyond our expectations, we felt it was prudent to provide financial assistance to officers in both areas.”

During the can shake, donors who gave $10 or more were thanked with a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts. There were 1,000 dozen, or a total of 12,000 donuts, given away during the event. Additionally, all who donated received a blue ribbon and a novelty “Get Out of Jail, Free” card which, on the back, expressed gratitude for the donation and websites on which further donations could be made directly.

In addition to the can shake, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office employees held a “Jean Week” fundraiser this week wherein employees who donated $25 or more were allowed to wear jeans to work for the entire week. Sheriff Webre said he is extremely proud of his employees and thankful to everyone who assisted. “I want to sincerely thank the LPSO employees, the other law enforcement officers, first responders, and their family members who contributed to these efforts,” said Sheriff Webre. “These men and women braved some serious heat and humidity during the five-hour can shake, all in the name of helping fellow officers.”

A group of deputies departed Lafourche Parish early Monday morning headed to Dallas, Texas. They will present donations to representatives of the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) on Tuesday, July 26. A donation to Baton Rouge officers will be made at a later date. In addition to the $25,000 donation to officers in each city, deputies will also present statues of St. Michael along with a plaque bearing a biblical inscription on each.

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Over $50,000 Raised in Lafourche for Police Officers Killed or Injured in Recent Shootings