Lafayette Police Chief Judith Estorge Steps Down After 19 Months

Judith Estorge, the first female Chief of the Lafayette Police Department (LPD), has stepped down after just 19 months in the position. According to a report from KLFY News 10, multiple sources within the department confirmed that Estorge announced her decision on Wednesday and will continue to serve as a captain.

UPDATE:

The Lafayette Consolidated Government and Lafayette Police Department announced that Chief Judith Estorge will resign from her role as Chief of Police for personal reasons, effective May 28, 2024. Although she will no longer be Chief, Estorge will continue serving in a different department capacity. Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet praised Estorge's leadership and dedication, noting her significant impact on the department's stability.

Chief Estorge's leadership has made a lasting impact, providing stability in the department. We are grateful for her dedication as she will continue to serve within LPD.

The Interim Chief of Police will be named on May 28, 2024.

ORIGINAL STORY:

KLFY reports that Estorge’s resignation was communicated to the department’s command staff in a meeting this morning. This news marks a significant transition for the LPD, as Estorge has been a prominent figure within the department since she was appointed chief in 2022.

Her career with the Lafayette Police Department began in 1993. Over the past three decades, she has served in various capacities, starting as a patrol officer and advancing to roles such as a traffic motor officer, a detective in the Criminal Investigative Division, and a Precinct 3 sergeant and watch commander. Her extensive experience and dedication led to her historic appointment as chief.

Capt. Paul Trouard, another long-serving member of the LPD, will fill the position of interim chief. According to his LinkedIn profile, Trouard has been with the department for over 27 years and was a finalist for the position when Thomas Glover was appointed in 2020. His extensive background and familiarity with the department are expected to provide stability during this transitional period.

The reasons behind Estorge's decision to step down have not been disclosed, and the department has yet to release an official statement. We've contacted LPD and LCG and will update this story as more confirmed information becomes available.

See the full story here via KLFY.