In my efforts to expose what I remain convinced is a leadership void in State Police headquarters, my last post has aroused considerable anger at what was perceived as disrespect for the late Steven Vincent and his family.
That was certainly not my intent and to the Vincent family, I offer my apologies for any hurt that I may have caused and for any poor judgment I may have exercised in my series about LSP leadership. Likewise, even though Sgt. Savoy confirmed the existence of the letter, if I have brought any discomfort to him in this matter, I also offer apologies to him.
And while I have removed that part of the post that refers to the letter sent to headquarters in 2012, it should not be seen as a withdrawal from my willingness to expose corruption wherever it’s found—either within the Department of Public Safety or any other agency.
Though some of my critics may have a different opinion, I am human with feelings and emotions just like anyone else. And as a human, those feelings sometimes are lost in the pursuit of an objective, in this case, a story. That doesn’t justify any mistake in judgment, it’s just a fact of life.
Again, I have taken down the story not because I believe it was inaccurate, but in consideration for those affected—a consideration I should have taken into account before posting it.
Tom Aswell
Louisiana Voice 
We all make mistakes, that is why there are erasers on pencils.
Well done, Tom Aswell!!!
Tom, that was the right thing to do. LSP, now it is your turn to do the right thing. For starters, practice some transparency, and stop covering things up!
It’s understandable that the family of Trooper Steven Vincent would resent any implication that he was incompetent. However, from my reading of the referenced post on Louisiana Voice, it was Sergeant Savoy’s intent to protect, not disparage Trooper Vincent. Don’t police receive ongoing training? In any event, Sgt. Savoy felt strongly enough about this that he followed the chain of command all the way to the top of the Agency, possibly at risk to his own career. One doesn’t do that just because they are having a tiff with a subordinate. Thus, officials at LSP had a clear duty to investigate and make a record of their findings. It appears that they choose to dismiss Sgt. Savoy’s statement and request in a most unprofessional manner. At the very minimum, the family of Trooper Vincent should receive a full explanation of the facts in this case and why Sgt. Savoy’s request to provide additional training to Trooper Vincent was dismissed.
I hold to the view that Louisiana Voice had Trooper Vincent’s best interest at heart when writing this article regarding what appears to be unprofessional conduct at the upper/top echelon of the LSP.
I thought the original post was well within the bounds of ethical reporting, though I can understand your decision to remove it out of compassion to the late trooper’s loved ones.
Mr. Aswell,
Thank you for removing it. It is appreciated.