The Louisiana State Troopers Association (LSTA) must really be hurting financially.
First, there was the flak about the illegal campaign contributions LSTA’s board decided to launder through the private bank account of its Executive Director David Young that brought unwanted attention to the association.
Then there was the persistent objections to that decision by several retired state troopers who are members of the association but, like the rest of the LSTA membership, were never consulted on the decision to involve the group in partisan politics.
Their objections became such an annoyance that four of the retirees, men who dedicated their entire working life to protecting the public and trying to make our highways safer, were voted out of the association. Just booted out. No thank-you, no going away party. Nothing except a letter saying they were no longer welcome as members of the brotherhood.
Eventually, the State Ethics Commission investigated the illegal contributions—illegal because state classified employees are forbidden from participating in partisan politics or for contributing to political campaigns—and levied a $5,000 fine against the association.
On the heels of that action the FBI served subpoenas on 18 members of the association, directing them to appear before a federal grand jury investigating association activities. That grand jury convenes on April 13.
As all this was going on, many State Troopers were victims of the floods that plagued Louisiana during 2016 and the LSTA generously pledged $1,000 to members who were adversely affected by the floods.
Included on its WEB PAGE is the following statement:
“We are committed to improved pay and benefits; to assure a better working environment; to provide support when needed; and to increase the quality of life for our members. We also strive to improve the public services provided by our members to our community.”
Somehow, though, the retiree members, those who likely needed help the most, were overlooked when those $1,000 checks went out. Several retirees have contacted LouisianaVoice to say they never received any help from the association.
Obviously, LSTA is short of funds. Why else would it, instead of helping out those retirees who were flooded (among them excommunicated member Leon “Bucky” Millet), reach out to them instead for contributions?
That’s right. Millet, a retiree who was booted out for protesting too much and who had his home flooded, recently received a solicitation letter from LSTA.
The letter which went out over LSTA President James O’Quinn’s signature, noted that the association uses contributions “to persuade government (apparently through campaign contributions) to provide better and safer conditions for our troopers. We use it to support community oriented programs that serve to enhance positive relationships between troopers and the communities they serve.”
The letter contained no mention of how contributions are also used for elaborate parties and to pay for travel all over the country for members to attend such work-related events as the Washington Mardi Gras.
“Because we’re grateful to those who are grateful for us, we like to recognize our donors with gifts. For our spring fundraising campaign, we have our much-requested official LSTA Field Cap. We also have our new 2017 window stickers, our wonderful spring vacation drawing and special recognition for our high-end donors.”
We’re pretty sure that a long-standing member who was expelled for asking legitimate questions would love to affix that sticker to his windshield and cruise on down the road wearing his official LSTA Field Cap.
Ending its solicitation on a personal note, the letter said, “Please consider a donation, Mr. Millet. We could use it.”
Yes. No doubt, the association may even use some of those contributions for legal fees.
Louisiana Voice 
Maybe they should do away with the entire organization. Seems to be riddled with graft and illegal acts.
Now that sounds like a good idea..
On a previous post, I said these folks could have great careers after LSP as televangelists. I think the fourth-to-last paragraph demonstrates my point!
Troopers Association is a joke. My dad who retired as a Lt. and is 90 years old. Lost everything he owned. House got 7 feet of water. They didn’t bother to help him. And my husband who retired with 33 yrs service quit the association right before he retired because of the corruption. That was in 1999
I have a close friend who is a trooper, and I asked him about this issue. He says that many retirees, as well as DPS officers and civilians were also helped by the LSTA after the flood. He said that several efforts were made to identify retired and active troopers in need. It’s unfortunate that your dad did not receive help, but if he quit the association in 1999, why should he have expected anything from them? To the other poster–I have seen on the news that LSTA visits and brings gifts to hospitalized children every Christmas as well as reaching out to terminally ill children throughout the year, so those programs are still active.
Certainly your comment has some validity, but without having served within the organization, you can only relate what you are told. The facts are, regardless of the good LSTA has done, it has been severely crippled in the eyes of us retirees and the general public that is informed. The popular opinion is to Completely restaff it’s leadership and representation. Tolerance is acceptance in many opinions. Yes, there are good men that do hold a local rep position, but for the good of all……….start at the David Young desk and revamp. I wouldn’t give the association a dime and tell anyone who asks me to keep their money in their pocket. I can’t in good faith know that the dollar is used wisely or ethically.
Truth in swla
Without a doubt you are obviously a very educated person, so I am truly shocked at your gross generalizations. You, as well as any scholarly person, must surly know that blanket generalizations can damage your argument.
A comment like, “The facts are, regardless of the good LSTA has done, it has been severely crippled in the eyes of us retirees and the general public that is informed.” So do you speak for all retirees and the entire informed general public? You have personally reached out to all of these people, and they have told you to go forth and speak on their behalf? How many retirees are members of the LSTA? Am I to believe that everyone of them supports your view point. People like Tom obviously do.
Moreover, what does “the popular opinion” truly consist of? Is it 10 people, a 100 people, a 1000 people; furthermore, please let me know who they are also?
When you make statements like this, the “general” readership (see how I did that) is led to believe you, but educated people such as myself can see through this. Please don’t qualify your argument by including entire groups of people because unless you can prove that all of them agree with what you are writing, you appear to be misleading us. Now that I think about it, I believe it to be the latter.
It was a fine organization at one time that not only did a lot of good for the welfare of the troopers but also the public including sick and underprivileged kids. That is up until Charlie Dupuy became its president. Being the president of the association and allowing it to be used as a slush and political fund for the Colonel and his inner circle would guarantee you to move up in rank fast. I was a member for 34 years when I quit the association out of disgust of its practices. The retirees are as much members of that association as anyone else but because the retirees owe no allegiance to the Colonel and will ask the hard questions they have been ostracized, ridiculed and cast to the side. The board of the association was hand-picked by Edmonson and Dupuy and is corrupt. Period.
I cannot agree more. The corruption and blind eyes have ruled the day for over a decade. While it may hurt some, the ENTIRE organizational chart needs to be replaced.
Mr. Bennett, you wrote “It was a fine organization at one time that not only did a lot of good for the welfare of the troopers but also the public including sick and underprivileged kids.” Can you tell me when they stopped doing these things you describe? The grant a wish programs throughout the state have never been better than it is now. I’m sure you do move up through the ranks while serving as the LSTA president, Dupuy and Besson are examples of this. Oh, and let’s not forget Jerry Patrick. Wasn’t he the LSTA President before Dupuy, but couldn’t complete the term, due to his promotion to captain? As far as your irresponsible comment falsely proclaiming that the LSTA board members are “corrupt” troopers that were hand-picked by Edmonson and Dupuy, well Mr. Bennett that is a lie. I would allow you to explain this, but I fear you are incapable of telling the truth. The LSTA board is elected by the membership at each troop, not hand-picked as you claim. The state president is also elected by the members.
Unless you sir, are an active or retired Louisiana State Trooper as is Lt. Carl Bennett, you have no skin in the game, and have no clue of the corruption within the LSTA. Lt. Bennett hit the nail on the head with his post !
How many state employees are members of the National Rifle Association? The American Federation of Teachers? The AFL-CIO? The Fraternal Order of the Police? National Nurses United? The local Farm Bureau? All of these organizations have state employees that belong to them (and I bet a few state troopers).
Something else they all have in common is they all make huge political donations each year. Political engagement is a core function for any trade association or professional membership organization. Why would the troopers association put themselves at a disadvantage by doing any different?
Since you put it out there, show proof where any member (retired or otherwise) of the troopers association was denied help during the floods. I find it very hard to believe they turned someone down, when I have seen first hand all the good they do.
While you are at it, please show proof where they funded a trip to the DC Mardi Gras. It seems very easy for you to levy these accusations. I’m not naive enough to doubt there aren’t some bad apples in any group but from what I have seen, the troopers association does a lot of good for our community.
It doesn’t matter. They are private citizens, not public employees. State Civil Service rules specifically prohibit political activity by classified employees. Teachers are an exception. I cannot explain that but the law nevertheless is the law and classified employees (including the F.O.P.) are prohibited from political activity. That law was enacted to discourage the patronage system whereby politicians could force employees to campaign on their behalf or to make contributions whether they wanted to or not.
As for your second question, I will refer you to Ms. Waymire’s comment above. I think she addressed that issue pretty well. Moreover, I have personally heard from at least a half-dozen who have received nothing. The LSTA has made no effort to identify retired flood victims or to help them.
The trip to the Washington Mardi Gras isn’t the only trip LSTA has funded for its board of directors. Travel expenses were provided by LSTA for two troopers who made that trip to San Diego. I have the expense reports.
Your blanket denials notwithstanding, there’s no denying the $5,000 fine. If LSTA was not trying to hide something, why would it funnel its political contributions through its executive director’s private bank account? That doesn’t look seem a little fishy to you?
I am not your typical blogger sitting in a dark room somewhere turning out wild accusations. I hold a degree in journalism, have won several awards for my reporting for newspapers and I do not publish my stories lightly or without researching my topic. I rely heavily not on word of mouth from some disgruntled former trooper but from public records obtained from State Police. I have been investigating State Police virtually full time for nearly three years now. What have you done during that time?
I’ll leave you with this question: what have you learned about LSTA that you’d rather not have known?
http://m.kplctv.com/kplctv/pm_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=od:OnmQsOEZ
I hope you dropped the microphone there. That’s as well stated rebuttal as could be given. Rock on!!
“While you are at it, please show proof where they funded a trip to the DC Mardi Gras. It seems very easy for you to levy these accusations.”
You still never answered the question this person asked.
“The trip to the Washington Mardi Gras isn’t the only trip LSTA has funded for its board of directors. Travel expenses were provided by LSTA for two troopers who made that trip to San Diego. I have the expense reports.”
Well, it should be easy to prove. Please show them. Inquiring minds want to know who they are.
Well, let’s see. When I made public records requests for all LSP expenditures of those who made the San Diego trip, most reports came back showing individual expenses of several thousand dollars each.
But one who made the trip had no travel or lodging paid by LSP–only meals. Those were Stephen Lafargue ($366). Reckon he paid his own way?
As for the Washington Mardi Gras, this was information provided me by my sources who thus far have been correct on all information given me. Obviously the LSTA isn’t going to provide me any records of any description, so I do from time to time have to rely on sources—like any other reporter.
Tom,
Please don’t think I am trying to be difficult because I can assure you I am not. You clearly made these statements.
“The letter contained no mention of how contributions are also used for elaborate parties and to pay for travel all over the country for members to attend such work-related events as the Washington Mardi Gras.”
“The trip to the Washington Mardi Gras isn’t the only trip LSTA has funded for its board of directors. Travel expenses were provided by LSTA for two troopers who made that trip to San Diego. I have the expense reports.”
I simply want to know which board of director went to Washington Mardi Gras on the LSTA dime and which two troopers were paid by the LSTA for the trip to San Diego?
Your source must have told you the people it was because if they did not then it was truly irresponsible on your part to state it.
“But one who made the trip had no travel or lodging paid by LSP–only meals. Those were Stephen Lafargue ($366). Reckon he paid his own way?”
Are you asking me because I surely do not know? Or, do you not know if the LSTA paid his way? In addition, you say “one” in this statement. Please tell me who the other person is or how I can get the records you have?
“As for the Washington Mardi Gras, this was information provided me by my sources who thus far have been correct on all information given me. Obviously the LSTA isn’t going to provide me any records of any description, so I do from time to time have to rely on sources—like any other reporter.”
Okay, so here we are again. Who did they say went? Did the LSTA tell you they were not giving you the records. Did you even check with them as any good reporter would have?
I want to believe you, but you are making it very difficult. It all sounds like bias based reporting which I know is not your intention. Is it? I hope you would have more integrity then that.
Fed Up with the Lies,
Don’t compare Apples and Oranges. You listed some lobby groups in your response. Answer this question, which of those Groups Board of Directors is made up 100% by Classified State Civil Service Employees. The LSTA’s Board is 100% made up of Classified Employees which is a direct violation of the State Constitution when they directly and indirectly engage in political activity. If you enforce the law, you should abide by the law, and where I come from the State Constitution is the LAW..
Tarnish , Can you pick and choose political activity? 2015 LSTA convention had four people running for governor speak and answer political questions to over 200 state troopers. Some were detailed by the department and attended while present during the forum. Does the meet the requirements of political activity?
http://m.kplctv.com/kplctv/pm_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=od:OnmQsOEZ
The United States Supreme Court ruled unions and corporations are entitled to the First Amendment protection guaranteeing freedom of expression, which the Supreme Court ruled applied to spending money in elections as part of free speech. They found that if that form of speech is protected for such entities, then actual speech is protected and must not be stifled.
A union or other association is an entity which is distinct and distinguishable from its members. The Supreme Court included unions and other associations as well as for- profit and non-profit corporations as “persons” covered by the First Amendment.
You will have to forgive the plagiarism from a google search as I am not a professional journalist, but I will take the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Constitution over a journalists. I am just tired of seeing state troopers constantly accused of being corrupt on this site. You can’t tell me the entire group is dirty. Again, I may be wrong (I would never deny I have been before), but I certainly hope you aren’t right.
Fed up, You apparently do not read LAVoice. It has always stood up for good Troopers. Many of the Troopers, including me, were abandoned and there was no one left fighting for the integrity of the organization from the chain of command to the governor. LAVoice has exposed the corruption so the good Troopers can get back to doing police work honorably and in the best interest of Louisiana residents. Your google interpretation aside, you have no idea the hell that Troopers have gone through that would still be happening if not for LAVoice. You are right. They are not all dirty but some of them are. I welcome you to apply, make the sacrifices, and watch people die while the chain of command spends their time getting hammered on our LSTA contributions. I do not need to speculate. I was forced to keep their glasses filled with my labor and dues. The LSTA campaign issues regardless of 1st Amendment issues likely violated federal laws against concealing the source of donations. The LSTA made those secret donations without letting me know as a member.
“Many of the Troopers, including me, were abandoned…” What are you talking about? Can you please elaborate on how exactly you were abandoned? Like did they send you to work without the tools necessary to do your job because you guys are driving around in expensive SUV’s last time I got a ticket from yall. Or, did they not baby and coddle you enough?
Well said ! I too am retired from the LSP.
LSTA has had its ups and downs. They have done some help in the community. Back in the 70’s it was a party organization. They even had an apartment for “entertainment” for the powers that be at that time. I think it took its lead from the superintendent. There you go…..
Fed Up: Your point would hold more water if you understood the court rulings involved.
Yes, unions can make political contributions. They are associations of individuals whose purpose is to improve the lot of their membership. I will not argue that there have not been unions which colluded with criminal enterprises, nor will I argue that some union leaders have been extremely well-compensated for their efforts. Those points, while valid, are irrelevant. The purpose of the organization is clear.
Corporations, under current Supreme Court jurisprudence, can make certain types of campaign contributions. But that ruling was controversial because of its core holding that a corporation – a legal fiction that is a “person” only on paper for certain purposes but NOT for others – is nonetheless fully a person with free speech rights. IMHO that’s on shaky legal ground, much like the Dred Scott ruling that a black was not a “person” under the constitution, but for now, that’s the law.
The LSTA is different. It is an association of classified civil servants, funded entirely from their salaries, so 100% of their money essentially belongs to them. And the courts have *consistently* upheld regulations prohibiting electioneering activities by classified civil servants as a reasonable restriction designed to prevent even the hint of impropriety; the point is to keep politicians from feeling either obligated to, or punitively towards, the classified civil servants whose jobs continue administration to administration. That’s legal and the courts are highly unlikely to disturb that holding.
And therein lies the LSTA problem: the board took dues money contributed by classified civil servants, washed it through the accounts of its executive director, and had him make the contributions in his name. It’s illegal to make a contribution in your own name if you aren’t the actual owner of the money. It’s illegal for classified civil servants to donate to campaigns, period. This is so blatantly illegal even Louisiana ethics people could see the problem with it. If you can’t, well…. there are none so blind as they who will not see.
This is a reply to Nowtellthewholestory. If you will reread my first comment, you will see that my dad is 90 and retired. He never quit LSTA. HE IS STILL A MEMBER. It was my husband who got fed up with the LSTA and quit the organization because of what they were doing.
My apologies for the error. Did he let the organization know he received damage? I have since spoken with two additional retired troopers who received aid. They were missed initially and received aid after contacting the LSTA.
Yes, they sent out a request for names and I sent it in. Never heard back from them. Never expected to hear anything.
Ms. Waymire, I’m sorry that was your experience, but that seems inconsistent with the others that I’ve spoken with and heard about. I also know that LSTA has been providing troopers additional vests to protect them from rifle attacks. It sounds like there’s much more support for the organization than one would expect reading this blog.
Keep doing what you do, Tom. I look forward to reading your columns on the State Police because I know what I am reading is true. You are a great investigative reporter and I thank you for all your hard work. Keep it up!!!
I will NEVER send in another donation to this organization ever again. Any time you read articles such as this means where there is smoke there is fire. I get so angry when the bad, greedy people take advantage of the good people. It appears like this is just one more example of the good ole corruption in Louisiana.
Shameful, really shameful indeed!
God Bless our good troopers and may God put a wall of protection around each and everyone of them each day and night so they return safe to their families each shift.
Everyone must make his or her own decision, obviously. Every person and every organization makes mistakes. I have seen this group do far, far more good than not.
I understand what you are trying to say BUT when this organization wouldn’t let retired troopers who were members ask questions and on top of that booted them out, then that’s all I need to know.
I have a big heart and always try to do the decent thing. I feel so sorry for the family members of ALL fallen police officers and troopers.
After this encounter, I won’t be giving anymore because I just don’t know who to trust anymore.
If this organization has helped others that we are not aware of then Thank You very much and God Bless you too but I am done with donations!
Yes, everyone makes mistakes but when you solicit money for a cause it should go to the cause not special interest and certainly not to get the candidate of THEIR choice elected or should I say selected?
We have had different experiences and see things a bit differently because of that. I choose to support and you choose not to. That doesn’t make either of us wrong. Different points of view and discussion are healthy.
Thank you and you are so correct. Perhaps if all the members and the leaders of this association would have realized this maybe more could have been done to advance membership instead of decreasing membership because they disagreed on certain things. This way everyone would have been helped.
When are people going to realize that God created us all equal? United you stand, divided you fail! Our troopers deserve better!
I have always believed that any problem can be solved by using the three “C’s”
1 Caring
2.Communication
3.Cooperation
GOD BLESS ALL OUR TROOPERS!!!
The truth has consequences!
On January 12, 2017, a list of 23 retired troopers who flooded was given to Floyd Falcon at the Louisiana State Police Commission meeting at 9:10 AM. Mr. Falcon was asked to give the list to Jay O’Quinn who was also in attendance. As of this date, 4/4/2017, there has been no response! For those who are not aware, Floyd Falcon is the attorney for the L.S.T.A.
Apparently the LSTA has money to hire attorneys for those who received Federal Grand Jury invitations!
As usual LSTA picks and chooses who they help. If you aren’t in the circle, forget it
Amen. Ms. Larpenter. For all concerned, I hope that these issues are resolved for the betterment of our troopers and the public they protect and serve.
Why wouldn’t you give it to the LSTA board of directors and not their attorney ? He doesn’t attend all meetings. You have chosen to go through legal means and not the LSTA board. Again , you pick and choose. LSTA is a good organization. I guess you forgot who got you supplemental pay back in your day, the LSTA. Did you protest back then ?
http://m.kplctv.com/kplctv/pm_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=od:OnmQsOEZ
Bucky,
The LSTA will introduce a bill this upcoming session to repeal the COLA the retirees received last year. The LSTA was involved in political activity by lobbying for your COLA, this must be corrected. The LSTA board must have been in collusion with the legislature to get this bill passed. What about the grant-a-wish programs the LSTA provides; last wish trips to Disneyland, Denver Broncos game, meeting of their favorite celebrity, the support of members who have a sever illness and their children. The support of purchasing suits and dresses for the family to attend the funeral of a fallen trooper. The continued support of troopers going to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital everyear, the fund raising efforts for every trooper, not just LSTA members to receive a life saving bullet proof vest, the yearly firearms qualification course for retirees….the list goes on and on.
What did the LSTA do for you in the 1970’s, the LSTA lobbied for you to have supplemental pay unsuccessfully, then sued Gov. Edwards for you to have the right for supplemental pay. Troopers to this day still enjoy this benefit. Also, you enjoyed the benefits of the car per man program the LSTA lobbied for. You can’t pick and choose for your benefit only, well maybe you can.
Tom,
Can your source please provide the information about the D.C. trip funded by the LSTA ? Who went ? As as member I would like to bring this information to the board.
Tom,
Still waiting on your source to produce info about Washington DC trip. Can you check with him again. I would like to produce this information to the board of directors.
On the outside, oh, LSTA wants to appear all holy and mighty. LSTA did some good but its problems on the “inside” were horrible. Ask a trooper with at least 3 years on the job. When Dupuy was president, he would tell the cadets, “YOU WILL JOIN THE LSTA!” and the cadets felt forced or face old Trooper/ SGT Dupuy (he was the so called Academy Drill instructor) going crazy on them at the Training Academy or make them so miserable, they would quit. Next, if you wanted to move in rank then the LSTA nest hole was it. It was being used as a stepping stone rather than doing its job as protecting the good troopers from higher rank wanting to go nuts. It was a complete nut house. Members would burn through money and not care. If a Troop President complained, it wasn’t long before that good Troop President was replaced. There were many times where the LSTA Presidents would get nice hotels (each get a room) instead of driving to a local location the day of a planned meeting, whereever that might be. Drinking and having a good old time while not spending out of their pockets. All paid for by good old LSTA troopers and other free money collected from business or any other suckers. Next, ask any trooper of the mid-1990 academy where Dupuy told stories of his wild behavior. Many times he said how he would get complaints when he was first on the road as a trooper. He took out his pager (remember from the 1990’s) and threw it down as hard as possible into his state vehicle where the pager was demolished. Not sure why he told of that story. I guess he wanted the cadets to know he could go into a fit of rage or end the career of someone in the academy. Who knows??? The only way to fix the LSTA is to stop promoting someone if they are Troop Presidents. Also, NO ONE of rank can attend the meeting, esp, baton rouge rank (those weasels use it to their advantage). It will have to be no rank or promotions for troop President after 1 year of leaving the presidency. Retired troopers should never be asked to leave for simply wanting answers to questions. These meeting should mainly question how well “The Brass” is working with troopers to resolve problems before it gets out of hand. Somewhat like a balance of power to be fair on both sides of the fence. That my first wish list. Next…let me fix this. I can have this fine tuned and working. Weasels might not like it, but I bet those hard-working troopers see exactly where I am going with this.
Hey CRASH & BURN,
I’m confused about your comments. Are we talking about present day LSTA or the mid 90s (over 20 years ago)? Which troop presidents have been promoted? I realize there are some, but it is not as many as you are making people think there are. In fact, there are probably more who haven’t been promoted than who have. You stated that retirees were asked to leave. These retirees were voted out and not just by board members. Board members took it back to their troop and had affiliate meetings discussing and voting on the removal of these retirees. You also said that no one of rank should be able to attend meetings. This is a ridiculous comment. The LSTA takes care of its members. These members include the troopers that graduated yesterday all the way up to Colonel Reeves. Under your wish to fix the LSTA, where does this leave the retirees?
There are also mistakes regarding the “removal” of the retirees mentioned so often. A source told me that these retirees who “just had questions” went before the board prior to being voted out of the LSTA. The board asked them what they could do to answer their questions and help them feel at ease. The response from one of these “ostracized, ridiculed, and cast to the side” retirees was… and I quote “There is nothing you can do. Just be ready to get out your checkbook.” I ask you this. Does this sound like men ready to discuss problems they have with LSTA?
So many comment on these stories and use it as a source of venting. A lot of these “facts” are not thoroughly checked. Just an observation…
Time Traveler ,
“There is nothing you can do. Just be ready to get out your checkbook.”
If this statement is true, the retiree who made this commit should be outed to the whole LSTA membership. It shows the true motive of this individual.
Wrong. I was on the board when Dupuy was LSTA President. He is not always easy to like or get along with. We had several heated disagreements, but he was a great president who fought against the LSP Command Staff over many issues—including getting troopers a well-deserved raise. Colonel Landry was opposed to troopers getting a raise, but the LSTA fought for it and got it for us—in spite of the sitting Colonel. This was shortly after 9/11 when many troopers were leaving because LSP wasn’t competitive financially with other agencies. During my terms I certainly did stay in decent, not extravagant, hotel rooms at times. As a board member, I donated MANY hours of my own time to benefit other troopers and don’t feel anyone with a little sense would feel it would be wrong to stay overnight in a Holiday Inn after a long day of meetings and discussions. I can promise you that I gave way more than I ever got. I never saw any abuse then, and I doubt there’s any now. For you to say otherwise is wrong. If you or someone you know personal experienced these abuses and did nothing, then you or they are cowards.
Your post simply attacks something which is easy—most troopers have never sat on that board, so you feel that you can paint a picture that angers them. It’ a lot easier to be angry than to be informed. The overwhelming majority of those board members are there for the right reasons—to make things better for their fellow troopers. I was not promoted while on the board or even in the next few years, but to say no one should be promoted as you outlined is asinine. These are troopers that their peers elected. Don’t you think they usually do a good job of picking their own leadership? Wouldn’t you think if they respect someone enough to elect them that it’s possible the Command Staff may respect them also and see that they may deserve a promotion? Maybe if they get promoted, they’ll be in position to help more troopers!
Those hard-working troopers you speak of—they’re on the board right now. It looks like they have made some decisions that they’d like to have back, but not one of them has quit. They face the music and the battles. I admire that and believe they are correcting things as the membership has directed. As an active retiree, I keep fairly close tabs. Much of the garbage being espoused is just that—garbage. I hear some real tales of abuse in the 70s and 80s, but they’re stories that I can’t speak accurately about, so I won’t go into those. See how that works?
I hesitate to even respond on this site, but most of the troopers just want to be left alone and do their jobs. Let Colonel Reeves, the LSTA, and the troopers work out their problems and quit dragging these half-truths and outright lies onto these blogs. Any wrongdoing will be found out and corrected. Troopers will see to that. There will always be unhappy people in every organization—some for good reasons and some just because they like being stirred up and bitchy. Today’s troopers have a tough, dangerous job, but they also have a lot to be thankful for. I respect most people’s opinion, but when I see things that I know are not true, well, enough is enough. If any you have issues, take them up with the board, not a blog.
I am equally confused, so let us try to digest this in parts.
“LSTA did some good but its problems on the “inside” were horrible.”
Can you please elaborate on what was horrible on the inside because you immediately begin rambling about Dupuy, and what does the inside consist of?
Later you say this about Dupuy, “…going crazy on them at the Training Academy or make them so miserable, they would quit.”
You either want to be a trooper or you don’t. Quitting is an individual choice.
“Next, if you wanted to move in rank then the LSTA nest hole was it. It was being used as a stepping stone rather than doing its job as protecting the good troopers from higher rank wanting to go nuts.”
Another possibility is that the LSTA membership wants responsible leaders and those people are the ones elected to those positions. Leadership often translates into being successful in life and the job, which often leads to promotions. My explanation may not be satisfactory to you, but it is a plausible possibility. The latter part of your statement with regards to the protection of troopers is completely unfounded in your text. Please for the sake of giving some credibility to your ramblings give an example of this.
I just want to get clarity on one last thing because I have wasted enough of my life writing this, so everyone in baton rouge who holds rank is a weasel, wow.
And, please do not include other hard working troopers into your statements because as smart as they are, I am not sure anyone can see where you are going with this.
@ CRASH–I was on this board years ago when we had a command staff that was antagonistic towards us. We fought them over many issues—including getting troopers a well-deserved raise. Colonel Landry was opposed to troopers getting a raise, but the LSTA fought for it and got it for us—in spite of the sitting Colonel. This was shortly after 9/11 when many troopers were leaving because LSP wasn’t competitive financially with other agencies. During my terms I certainly did stay in decent, not extravagant, hotel rooms at times. As a board member, I donated MANY hours of my own time to benefit other troopers and don’t feel anyone with a little sense would feel it would be wrong to stay overnight in a Holiday Inn after a long day of meetings and discussions. I can promise you that I gave way more than I ever got. These board members and their families give up more than you will ever know in terms of effort and time. I never saw any abuse back then, and I doubt there’s any now. For you to say otherwise is wrong. If you or someone you know personally experienced these abuses and did nothing, then you or they are cowards.
Your post simply attacks something which is easy—most troopers have never sat on that board, so you feel that you can paint a picture that angers them. It’ a lot easier to be angry than to be informed. The overwhelming majority of those board members are there for the right reasons—to make things better for their fellow troopers. I was not promoted while on the board or even in the next few years, but to say no one should be promoted as outlined above is asinine. These are troopers that their peers elected. Don’t you think they usually do a good job of picking their own leadership? Wouldn’t you think if they respect someone enough to elect them that it’s possible the Command Staff may respect them also and see that they may deserve a promotion? Maybe if they get promoted, they’ll be in position to help more troopers!
Those hard-working troopers you speak of—they’re on the board right now. It looks like they have made some decisions that they’d like to have back, but not one of them has quit. They face the music and the battles. I admire that and believe they are correcting things as the membership has directed. As an active retiree, I keep fairly close tabs. Much of the garbage being espoused is just that—garbage. I hear some real tales of abuse in the 70s and 80s, but they’re stories that I can’t speak accurately about, so I won’t go into those. See how that works?
I hesitate to even respond on this site, but most of the troopers just want to be left alone and do their jobs. Let Colonel Reeves, the LSTA, and the troopers work out their problems and quit dragging these half-truths and outright lies onto these blogs. Any wrongdoing will be found out and corrected. Troopers will see to that. There will always be unhappy people in every organization—some for good reasons and some just because they like being stirred up and bitchy. Today’s troopers have a tough, dangerous job, but they also have a lot to be thankful for. I respect most people’s opinion, but when I see things that I know are not true, well, enough is enough. If any you have issues, take them up with the board, not a blog.
An independent forensic audit should be done on the LSTA, and All Political Activity should stop immediately. When complete, it should be made available to the membership and the public. If the LSTA is doing everything above board, it’s books should be transparent to everyone. All Trips, Travel, and Entertainment should be approved in advance by the membership. All Board Meeting Dates and Agendas should be posted in advance. Emergency and impromptu meetings should be communicated to the membership.
Until the Association starts operating above board and for the interest of ALL MEMBERS it will continue to fall under the scrutiny of the public and the Working Troopers. With the removals of Mike Edmonson and Charles Dupuy, maybe the time has come to make some significant changes for the better.
Tarnish,
These are shorten excerpts from a letter the LSTA put out. I don’t think they are going to stop being involved in political activity as it seems it would hurt them.
“The LSTA only exists because of its members, both active and retired. We have always operated above board, within the law, and on the advice of legal counsel; for someone to insinuate otherwise is without merit and irresponsible. It has always and continues to be our mission to remain proactive in securing benefits and protecting our family against anyone who intends to harm it.
Much of their argument has been we should not be involved in politics and should not give political contributions. Since our inception we have been involved in the political process and have done so without compromising our integrity or ethics. This is proven by the numerous arrests we have made involving politicians and their families. The accusations troopers would not do their jobs because of political donations lack empirical evidence and are insulting to the men and women who wear our uniform.
All citizens should be encouraged to be involved in the political process. This process should not be villainized, but rather seen for giving people a voice. Using this process we have been able to enhance DWI and other public safety laws which have ultimately resulted in the saving of lives. We were able to pass laws granting us better protection from people who are willing to harm law enforcement officers. We have used it to strengthen laws to protect children from sexual predators. We were able to separate from civil service and form the State Police Commission, give retroactive retirement benefits to our members, adjust our pay to keep up with regional and national averages, grant COLAs to retirees, and many other well deserved benefits.
Public employee associations have historically given contributions to candidates just as the Sheriffs, DAs, teachers, and other public employee member organizations have given without compromising integrity. This is an integral and legal part of the process, and for a few to scrutinize it and claim ignorance is insulting. It is essential to our livelihood and future to continue to participate in the legislative process. We have been assured by our legal counsel the LSTA have been legally participating in past political activities. There have been no willful or malicious acts to circumvent any campaign laws or to hide any facts from our membership.
Being involved in the political process is only a small part of what we do as an organization and is not our primary purpose. For Perry and others to perpetuate us in this light forms distrust with the public and jeopardize everything we have accomplished. As members we have been able to grant wishes to terminally ill children, bring smiles to faces during dark times, and provided meals and presents to families who thought they would not be able to provide a Christmas or Thanksgiving to their families. As a whole, we have accomplished great things and we must continue to work together to accomplish more.”
Political process is one thing. But filling politicians campaign coffers from Classified civil servants is another. Check the State Constitution on that one!
Doing Your Job should be enough to lobby the Legislature!
Still waiting by the way.
Tom Please Show us the Proof
Tom,
Please don’t think I am trying to be difficult because I can assure you I am not. You clearly made these statements.
“The letter contained no mention of how contributions are also used for elaborate parties and to pay for travel all over the country for members to attend such work-related events as the Washington Mardi Gras.”
“The trip to the Washington Mardi Gras isn’t the only trip LSTA has funded for its board of directors. Travel expenses were provided by LSTA for two troopers who made that trip to San Diego. I have the expense reports.”
I simply want to know which board of director went to Washington Mardi Gras on the LSTA dime and which two troopers were paid by the LSTA for the trip to San Diego?
Your source must have told you the people it was because if they did not then it was truly irresponsible on your part to state it.
“But one who made the trip had no travel or lodging paid by LSP–only meals. Those were Stephen Lafargue ($366). Reckon he paid his own way?”
Are you asking me because I surely do not know? Or, do you not know if the LSTA paid his way? In addition, you say “one” in this statement. Please tell me who the other person is or how I can get the records you have?
“As for the Washington Mardi Gras, this was information provided me by my sources who thus far have been correct on all information given me. Obviously the LSTA isn’t going to provide me any records of any description, so I do from time to time have to rely on sources—like any other reporter.”
Okay, so here we are again. Who did they say went? Did the LSTA tell you they were not giving you the records. Did you even check with them as any good reporter would have?
I want to believe you, but you are making it very difficult. It all sounds like bias based reporting which I know is not your intention. Is it? I hope you would have more integrity then that.
@ Tarnish-I agree that it should be enough to just do your job and the legislature and public would take it upon themselves to give raises and equipment to all deserving public employees. Unfortunately, that is not reality-just speak with other employees at DPS to get an idea how good you have it. Shouldn’t you support candidates that have supported you? Doesn’t that just make sense? Regardless, I know for certain that no contributions have been made under the new president, even though I would like to see pro-LSP candidates re-elected, and I wish we supported them financially. Troopers should be thankful that they have an organization that helps improve benefits, provides support in times of crisis, and goes to bat for them against the department. Bring your concerns to the ones that can change it–your own leadership. Whining on a blog when you have so much to be thankful for should make you embarrassed. Don’t you see how silly this makes Troopers look? You wanted Dupuy and Edmonson gone? You’ve got it. Now turn inward and fix your problems with the new administration and the LSTA board. I’ve had conversations with most of those men, and they are honorable. I’ve done the job and am proud of our current troopers, but grow up a little and quit with the bitterness. Move on and forward. I find it curious that Milllet and some of the other posters have gone silent when asked a few uncomfortable questions.
No venting here. I know what I see and know how other troopers felt but were powerless because you can bet their life would be a living hell. If you know so much “Time traveler” (all I know is Vegas Travelers now) tell us how many regular troopers when to those LSTA meeting and spoke up like the retired LT did only to get kicked out of the LSTA. How many working troopers questioned the powers of the “big brass” at them meeting or caused a stir because they felt cheated or felt the LSTA was rubbing shoulders with the “big brass?” I can tell you…only RETIRED TROOPERS clean house. If not for retired Troopers the LSTA would be completely out of control and abuse of its power would still have continued for many more years. The promotions of LSTA presidents was out of control too. I can name many former presidents that got their promotion and high tailed it out because the working troopers voted them out or the weasel presidents knew when their time was up. That exactly how it was going down.
Crash,
”
I can name many former presidents that got their promotion and high tailed it out because the working troopers voted them out or the weasel presidents knew when their time was up.”
How many is many? It is subjective, but can you please list all of them who were promoted and then voted out? Remember, it is two parts as you have stated; they must have been promoted and then voted out. Please list them.
Also, I saw someone made a comment about a trooper who let the brass do things and not say something is suppose to be a coward. Really…? A coward? Only a foolish one would make a comment like that. How fast could one ruin his career going to a meeting and saying, hey LSTA I want to expose dirty side of these in LSTA. Hell, a retired trooper got KICKED OUT. What you think a regular trooper would get? A flogging would be better than dealing with the hell of the big brass and LSTA weasels who wanted to please and satisfy the recently retired Colonel and Dupuy. The new Colonel seems to be doing a good job. I feel like someone on MTV Catfish because I don’t really know this new colonel but I LOVE HIM thus far.
To your point, Dupuy defied Landry and fought for a trooper pay raise in 2002 even though he knew he would feel Landry’s wrath. More recently, the current board defied Edmonson’s wishes to allow DPS officers to laterally transfer to LSP. Why did these men oppose the Colonels’ wishes? It was the right thing. I’m glad they had the nerve to do so. Apparently not every one has the stones to make those kinds of decisions.
Crash,
You still have never answered my previous questions. Please show some proof instead of making statements that have none.
From what I understand, the retired troopers were removed by a vote of the membership because they did not want to work with the LSTA not because they asked a question. They only wanted to harm the LSTA, and by doing that harm troopers. They formulated a false conspiracy in their minds, and instead of working with the LSTA on the issues, they decided to bash the organization on radio shows and blog sites. These actions certainly did not seem like they had the LSTA membership at heart. They obviously are no better then Edmonson in seeking the lime light. The power of fame was too great, and they succumbed to the allure of popularity. If they truly cared for the LSTA then they would have worked with them to correct any problems.
Do not make it sound like one question was asked and the LSTA silenced them by removal. Many olive branches were extended to them by the LSTA, and never once did they show the same courtesy or interest in helping the LSTA become a better organization.
It is sad that it has come to this; a few retirees hellbent on destroying the state police by making them look like a bunch of ungrateful brats. Who in their right mind would want to be a state trooper? You all have made it sound like a dysfunctional organization with no sense of brotherhood and caring for one another. This could not be further from the truth. Everyone has to work together to accomplish great things. I still believe in all of you. I only wish you believed in yourselves.
Ok, if everything is above board, and all of this is a pack of lies, why did the LSTA pay a fine to the Ethics Administration if nothing was wrong or illegal? Why did the Top Two Leaders at LSP, (Edmonson and Dupuy) get removed from POWER? Why is there a Federal Investigation? Why is there Ongoing Inquiries by the Governors Office and the Legislative Auditors Office? What is up with all the resignations on the State Police Commission since all this started, almost a 100% turnover?
Seems Like it is more than a couple of bitter retirees that have the facts all wrong? I am just saying!
Tarnish,
There you go proving my point. You ask questions you don’t know the answer to and make assumptions about the answers. You offer no hard proof as to why any of the questions you pose happened. You merely formulate conclusions from suspicion. Based on your post, you may have a medical condition. Here is an excerpt that may help.
A Psychological Profile of Conspiracy Theorists
“research looks at two elements that have been cited as playing a role in conspiracy beliefs: unstable self-esteem (the uncomfortable state of feeling unsure about one’s abilities, attitudes, or value to society), and a strong sense of belongingness (which leads to intense identification with some social group).”
You just can’t help yourself. It is obvious you are a very bitter person from your post (unstable self-esteem), and it is obvious that you have found identification with this blog (social group).
I hope and wish you find happiness and help. Maybe then you can make amends with yourself and others.
I agree with Field Goal’s comments. I see some of the old gang of the LSTA past are on here watching and defending retired Colonel and demoted HQ-2. They want me to give out names and list. Might be a little crazy, but I’m not that crazy, to give out name of people on here. A lot of working troopers were very pissed about these “given promotions” or unearned promotions of the LSTA President and made their voice known at voting time. The word moves quickly so these weasel presidents knew they were getting voted out before the election day. I know more than some think.
I agree with field goal’s comments as well. I don’t know who you are referring to as defending former HQ 1 and 2, but I hope you’re not referring to me. I certainly don’t condone all I have seen in my time at LSP. I do believe it’s important to note that some men have the courage to stand up and fight even when they know it’s not in their own best interests. This should always be the case when it is the right thing to do for those you represent. I gave Dupuy and the current board as two examples of that. At some point, the LSTA will be at odds with the administration again, and I believe they have proven to have the nerve for the battle. I’m not trying to pick on you, Crash, but if you won’t give any information about these presidents or answer any questions, your credibility is diminished. This is what I don’t understand. Aren’t you on this blog so you can remain anonymous? With all due respect, I have been around LSP a long time, and I have not experienced the things you described. I can assure you it’s not because I belonged to the “in” crowd.
@ Tom Please Show, Touchdown, etc–I hope everyone who reads this takes note that your questions and requests for proof are going unanswered-even when the proof is said to be readily accessible. There are certainly nuggets of truth buried in this blog, but as a general rule, this site is full of rhetoric and conjecture and very few facts. I don’t have a problem with that. People get frustrated and need to vent. I am no different. Negativity sells-just look at the mainstream media. I just point this out to remind everyone to take the negative information found here with a bucket of salt.
Executive session…Executive session. Sorry but the LSTA used that Executive session as means of controlling and ousting the retired troopers. I bet the weasels who were part of all the problems knew how to use the word. I can see it now. After the retired troopers asked a question , the old Lsta group would barely get the word “execut”……then before the word is finished, about 3 other of LSTA would say “I second executive session!!!” So now I’m calling executive session to who ever wants to question me. See how it feels. Now, I can my boss and second in command and tell them what is going on and how to rid of anyone questioning about the finances. The hell with ktime. I am getting paid and will get overtime so don’t question me. Just go work your dwi, or Sig 18’s and make sure to work it all on night shift while I get paid for going party all night long. Why stop at Vegas. Turn the trip a little north to Colorado and now drinking, smoking (hell, it’s legal) and parties all night long. How would that make you feel?? Go complain…I got the boss as a friend so I don’t care. See, it doesn’t feel go or make sense to do that to the “brotherhood” but the Vegas trip and money and “I with the bosses” Happened!! This is how good working troopers felt about the mess in Baton Rouge. There were very disgusted just like me. Then, the money from us to the governor??? Did that happen. It happened almost before our eyes but executive session, executive session, executive sessson, executive session. Sorry I learned that from the LSTA too well.
😂
Since you don’t have anything of substance to offer, at least you provide comic relief. Thanks!
CRASH & BURN,
The LSTA never went into executive session when the four retirees were removed. I would refer you to your LSTA representative so you can ask him for a copy of the minutes for that meeting. From what I’ve seen, it’s no secret who voted to rid the LSTA of these four hypocrites. Awesome attempt at the end of your comment to be funny, saying “executive session, executive session, executive SESSON, executive session. Sorry I learned that from the LSTA too well.” I really don’t believe you understand the purpose and reason why the LSTA might go into executive session during a board meeting. Can you explain this?
It has been stated many times that the LSTA has been involved in the political process for well over 15 years. There’s no secret there. Since you have it all figured out, and you have the answers to everything, please enlighten everyone with your thoughts. Can you answer these questions? (1) How many times has the LSTA opposed Edmonson? (2) How many troopers either won their appeal or received reduced punishment due to the LSTA’s involvement? (3) Who was partying all night long? (4) What involvement did the LSTA have in the Vegas trip?
You make it sound as if every board member during Colonel Edmonson’s “reign” was against the “good, hard-working troopers”. You seem to think each board member from the 9 years he was superintendent personally benefited. Do your research. You just might be shocked.
Obviously, you choose to be misinformed, and I believe this is what is causing your anger. It makes it difficult to follow what you are trying to say and reply to you. As in other posts, you fail to bring any real facts to the table to back up your argument. If you are really as angry as you seem, maybe you should approach the LSTA and they will show you anything you want to see. It’s all up to you, CRASH. Approach the board for answers, or keep living in anger. You are only causing yourself to be miserable.
TIME TRAVELER (all I know is VEGAS TRAVELERS at the moment),
Did you lose your cool? I believe there were 4 who lost their money and our money in Vegas, but why do you defend the ones that ripped us off and scammed us? Sorry for your loss if that’s the case but it was necessary to have a new leader.
Tom,
Please keep yours ears open, and continue to keep your followers informed as to what, if anything their going to do to retired Col. Mike Edmonson in regard to what appears to be a number of criminal felonies he committed while heading up the Louisiana State Police.
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