Feb. 22, 2017
Dear Governor Edwards:
This letter is to serve as my resignation from the Louisiana State Police Commission.
The commission cannot function as a Civil Service Board with the people you have allowed Col. Edmonson to place on the commission.
Col. Edmonson does whatever he chooses to do. He has no credibility when it comes to the truth, lavish spending, accepting of gifts, taking credit for awards others have earned, destroying evidence, and the list goes on and on.
Col Edmonson has brought shame and disgrace to the honest men and women of the State Police. They deserve better.
I won’t be a part of or participate in a commission that has no integrity or purpose but to rubber stamp what corrupt leadership desires.
May you continue to enjoy the “hayride” for three more years.
Respectfully,
Lloyd Grafton
U.S. Special Agent (Retired)
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Ruston, Louisiana
Louisiana Voice 
He resigned because he was able to “retire.” There is a big difference in resignation and taking retirement and when you can combine both then it is a feasible matter. His point is made however in the corruption and collusion happening within the politic ad infinitum.
Not at all sure what point you’re trying to make here. Mr. Grafton will receive zero “retirement” from his commission post. Nor will any other member when he/she steps down. Members are paid a per diem (at least those who choose to take it are; one does not take his per diem) for attending meetings and are paid mileage (the same member likewise does not claim mileage). That’s it. No salary, no benefits, no retirement. No board or commission members throughout the state receive a salary from the state.
Well, thanks for clearing that up. Didn’t realize there are no benefits to his retirement.
The ones on the board for my agency get paid $75 plus mileage for each meeting they attend.
I have to commend him for having the courage of his convictions. Many people are unwilling to be this candid because they do not want to jeopardize potential future political appointments/gain. Apparently, he has no such aspirations and I admire him for speaking his mind rather than submitting a plain vanilla resignation.
Before retiring, or walking away due to retaliation from refusing to steal payroll and cover up state police criminals, a large group of troopers went to these individuals for help, they wanted all of us to fall on the sword. We told them what would happen if they did not act. They might as well send the HQ 1 stamp to the corrupt commission.
Governor Edwards: your action concerning this matter ??????
The letter speaks volumes about the Governor the people of Louisiana elected. He is nothing short of a total disgrace.
To quote Mr. Grafton entailing my expectations of Edwards (Grafton was referencing T. J. Doss): “He lived up to my low expectations of him.”
I think we all owe it to ourselves to salute Mr. Grafton and watch him state his mind on LSPC:
Thank you, Loyd Grafton.
The LSTA is funded by dues deducted from active Trooper’s payroll and retiree’s retirement checks. They are also funded by private contributions solicited through the mail. Those solicitations state that the funds are to be used for non profit purposes to assist Troopers in need and Families of children with terminal illnesses.
In no solicitation is there mention of political donations or travel paid for selected individuals. Furthermore, I have yet to find a law authorizing classified employees of the State to indirectly participate in political activity.
A review of the LSTA annual expenses will reveal that since Edmonson has become Superintendent the Travel and Conference/Meeting expenses for the LSTA are in excess of $150K a year. I am sure a review of those records will reveal on many of those trips by Edmonson a Troopers serving on the LSTA Board would be there with the LSTA credit card to pay for things. I believe Lafarge the Treasurer and recently promoted Lieutenant was on the now famous San Diego trip. But you can bet the LSTA will not share their records with the public.
Thank you, Lloyd Grafton. I agree the only salvation for the State Police Commission is for it to be dissolved. I think the people of this state should call their Representative and ask them to put it action. How can the Governor continue to act like there is nothing wrong here?