Wife of Fallen Lafayette Officer Shares Heartfelt Message, True Meaning of ‘Service’

The Lafayette community is in deep mourning following the tragic death of Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette, who was killed during a standoff incident in Jeanerette earlier this week.

Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette of the Lafayette Police Department lost his life after sustaining injuries during a hostage situation and standoff in Jeanerette. He was a dedicated member of the SWAT team. Three other officers were injured but are in stable condition.

The incident occurred Thursday afternoon on Martin Luther King Boulevard while assisting the Jeanerette Marshal's Office. Authorities attempted to serve a warrant when the suspect, Nyjal Hurst, retreated into his home, taking two people hostage. During the standoff, Jolivette and another officer were shot, and bullet fragments hit two others.

Senior Corporal Jolivette is survived by his wife, Alexis, and their five children. His bravery and dedication will be remembered and honored by all who knew him.

The outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow police departments, colleagues, and citizens is a testament to the profound impact he had on those around him. Amidst the sorrow, a poignant and heartfelt message from Jolivette's wife, Alexis, has touched the broken hearts of many, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into her late husband's immense sacrifice and dedication.

The True Meaning of Service and Sacrifice

In her Facebook post shared early Sunday morning, Alexis Jolivette expressed the deep pain and overwhelming loss she feels, while also shedding light on the true meaning of service and sacrifice that law enforcement officers embody. Her message resonated with many, capturing the emotional depth behind the often-heard phrase, "Thank you for your service."

"Thank you for your service"

"A phrase often said to the men and women who put the badge on every day. A phrase spoken so lightly, yet has so much depth to it. What is service? For these men and women, service is doing a job the average person wouldn’t. Service is being brave when that's the only choice they’ve got. Service is PROTECTING THOSE IN NEED. Most of all, service is SACRIFICE. Sacrifice is tucking their kids in bed, saying their prayers with them, only to go and protect COMPLETE STRANGERS. Sacrifice is hugging your spouse, kissing her goodbye, telling them you love them, only to go and PROTECT COMPLETE STRANGERS."

Alexis's words highlight the daily realities faced by law enforcement officers and their families. Her description of sacrifice—missing precious moments with loved ones to protect others—paints a vivid picture of the personal costs borne by those who serve. This sacrifice, Alexis notes, is made for complete strangers, emphasizing the selflessness and courage required in the line of duty.

A Day That Changed Everything

Alexis recalls the fateful day, July 25, 2024, when her worst nightmare became a reality. She vividly remembers the last words she shared with her husband, "I love you," and the profound regret of not holding him longer. The heart-wrenching sense of loss can be felt as you read her words as she describes the irreplaceable void left by Jolivette's death.

"July 25, 2024, will forever be one of my worst nightmares that came true. 3:41 pm that day was the last time I spoke and heard the words 'I love you' from my husband. No matter how many times I replay the 'what ifs'—what if I'd kissed you longer, what if I'd hugged you longer, and mainly what if you just would not have gone—nothing about that day would have changed. My heart is in pieces and I don't know if it will ever be repaired."

Remembering a Devoted Husband, Father, and Officer

Alexis’s tribute paints a picture of Segus Jolivette not just as a dedicated officer, but as a loving husband and father. Her heartfelt words describe a man who was her life, her heartbeat, her best friend, and her soulmate. She speaks of his phenomenal role as a father and his constant focus on making his family happy.

"Segus was my life, my heartbeat, my best friend, my air, my soulmate, my headache at times, but also the medicine I needed to make it better. He was a PHENOMENAL father. There was nothing he wouldn't do for all of his babies. His life revolved around us and always making us happy. He loved life. He made you smile at times when you didn’t even know you needed it. He valued family and bonding. Always smiling. He loved hard and would do anything to protect his loved ones. And most importantly, he LOVED being a police officer."

A Community United in Grief and Support

The entire Acadiana community has rallied around Alexis and her children, offering prayers, support, and condolences. Her message of gratitude to those who have reached out during this difficult time reflects the strength and resilience of a family enduring an unimaginable loss.

"I want to thank everyone for their prayers, texts, calls, visits, etc. Please keep praying for us. Not just for today, but for tomorrow and the days, weeks, months, and years to come. I do not know life without Segus. Since the age of 13, he’s been my rock and the thought of being without him kills me. He was always supposed to come back home to us. Please, next time you hear or say to an officer, 'Thank you for your service,' know that their service comes with the ultimate sacrifice: Life."

The Impact of a Senseless Act

Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette's death is another reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. The senseless incident that took his life has left a family shattered and a community in mourning. Alexis’s message is a powerful reminder of the human side of these tragedies, urging everyone to recognize the ultimate sacrifices made by those who serve and protect.

"Thank you to my support system. Thank you to our extended family through the Lafayette Police Department and other agencies who have been supporting us. Thank you to the City of Lafayette and the City of Broussard for your support. Thank you to the Sibley family, David Robert Sibley and Cindy C Sibley, for being our rock through this. Thank you to our amazing Pastors at Our Savior’s Church Opelousas. The toughest day is approaching and I’m forever grateful that we are not alone in this. Right now, I’m socially and mentally turned off, so please, if I have not responded to everyone, know that I’m thankful for your love and encouraging words.

With Love, Alexis"

As the investigation continues, our community stands united in honoring Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette’s legacy and offering our endless support to his grieving family.