LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - The search for Lafayette’s next police chief has entered its final stages, with six candidates advancing after passing the required civil service test. Mayor-President Monique Boulet now has 60 days to make a selection, with a final decision expected by March 2025.

Furthering the process, Boulet has picked which four candidates will advance to interviews.

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Background on the Search

The hiring process was prompted by the resignation of former Police Chief Judith Estorge in May 2024, marking the sixth leadership change since 2020. Initially, most applicants were from South Louisiana, leading officials to increase the salary from $135,880 to $170,000 to attract a wider talent pool.

The second round of applications successfully brought in candidates from across the country, leading to a more competitive and diverse pool of finalists.

Top Scoring Candidates

The Municipal Fire & Police Civil Service Board approved the exam results, confirming the following six candidates as finalists:

  1. Interim Police Chief Paul Trouard (Lafayette Police Department) – 90%
  2. Special Agent Tom J. Burnside (U.S. Secret Service, Office of Strategic Intelligence & Information, Washington, DC) – 90%
  3. Deputy Police Chief Martin D. Edmondson (Colorado Springs Police Department) – 87%
  4. Joel F. Fitzgerald Sr. (Former Denver Transit Police Chief) – 87%
  5. Sgt. Dorian R. Brabham (Lafayette Police Department) – 84%
  6. Cpt. LeJon M. Roberts (New Orleans Police Department) – 77%

Candidates Advancing to Interviews

Following the approval of exam scores by the Lafayette Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board, Mayor-President Monique Boulet has announced the candidates who will proceed to the next stage of the selection process.

The following individuals will move forward to panel and administrative interviews:

  • Sgt. Dorian Brabham (Lafayette Police Department)
  • Tom Burnside (Special Agent, Office of Strategic Intelligence & Information, Washington, DC)
  • Cpt. LeJon Roberts (New Orleans Police Department)
  • Cpt. Paul Trouard (Lafayette Police Department)

These candidates will participate in in-person interviews with a panel that includes City Council members, Lafayette City Marshal Reggie Thomas, business leaders, and local clergy. Their feedback will be considered in the final selection process.

Selection Process & Next Steps

Before the interview stage, candidates will have to undergo background checks to verify their qualifications, leadership history, and check for any issues that may impact their ability to serve as Lafayette’s next police chief. The panel interviews, which will take place in the coming weeks, are supposed to evaluate candidates based on their law enforcement experience, leadership vision, and ability to address public safety concerns in Lafayette.

Boulet and her administration will conduct their own administrative interviews to determine the best candidate for the role.

The Municipal Fire & Police Civil Service Board has also extended Paul Trouard’s role as interim police chief until a permanent selection is made. Boulet’s final decision is expected within the next two months, with an official announcement planned for March 2025.

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