Staff report
The Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards. Applications will remain open through April 17, 2026. Four $40,000 awards will be granted to each of the following law enforcement departments:
- A District Attorney’s Office
- A Sheriff’s Office
- A Troop or Section of the Louisiana State Police
- A Chief of Police Department
Submissions through mail or in-person delivery will not be accepted.
Applications will be evaluated by a selection panel composed of retired law enforcement professionals. Award recipients will be notified by June 15, 2026. Community members are encouraged to motivate local law enforcement departments to apply and gain recognition for their exceptional contributions.
The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation underwrites the Leaders in Law Enforcement Awards with the intent to boost morale, elevate public respect for law enforcement, enhance operational efficiency, and promote exemplary performance within Louisiana’s law enforcement agencies. The awards aim to celebrate departments that make a significant impact in their communities while maximizing their available resources.
Past Awardees
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2025: Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, 31st District Attorney’s Office of Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana State Police Troop NOLA, and the Duson Police Department.
- 2024: Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberia, St. Martin, St. Mary Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police Troop G
- 2023: Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police Force Investigation Unit
- 2022: Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police Troop D
- 2021: Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police Troop C
- 2020: Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John the Baptist Parish District Attorney’s Office
CFA is one of south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations benefiting our region, with a focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Vermilion. CFA’s core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. Since its inception in 2000, CFA has realized cumulative gifts exceeding $406 million and has made cumulative grants of more than $235 million. You can learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.
