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- Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Louisiana
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On Friday, May 20th United States Attorney J. Walter Green, Deputy United States Marshals, United States Probation Officers, and other court personnel from the Louisiana Middle District participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run®. Participants and supporters gathered on the front steps of the State Capitol while Governor John Bel Edwards and other local dignitaries addressed the crowd before the run. The three mile run, carrying the Special Olympics torch, through downtown Baton Rouge started and finished at the State Capitol.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Louisiana, or LETR, unites officers from law enforcement agencies and corrections departments across the state in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Louisiana. Each summer, law enforcement officials carry the "Flame of Hope" across the state culminating with the Torch Run Final Leg and the lighting of the cauldron to officially open the Special Olympics Louisiana Summer Games in Hammond. This torch relay involves more than 1,500 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 200 law enforcement agencies across Louisiana. The officers join together to spread awareness of the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities.
- U. S. Marine Corps Reserve 100 Year Anniversary
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On August 29, 2016, the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve will celebrate 100 years of dedicated service to the United States of America. Since World War I, Reserve Marines have supported our country in every major conflict and continue to do so. In honor of this anniversary, a series of events will be executed to highlight and recognize the contribution of the Marine Corps Reserve over the past century.
The Louisiana Middle District proudly hosted Staff Sergeant Perez, Sergeant Christopher M. Kiss, Corporal Zachary S. Traylor, Lance Corporal Cornell Boyden, Jr., and Lance Corporal Joseph J. Piccione, II of the Marine Corps Reserve. Staff Sergeant Perez and his fellow Marines interacted on site with courthouse employees. As a special treat, courthouse employees were able to sit in two Marine vehicles: a Humvee and a M939 Truck a.k.a. "5-ton". The Louisiana Middle District recognizes the significant contributions of all Reserve Marines who have proudly worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem.
- Ceremony Honoring Memory of Deputy US Marshal Josie Wells
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The Middle District of Louisiana honored the memory of Deputy United States Marshal (DUSM) Josie Lamar Wells at the Russell B. Long Federal Building on March 10, 2016. The ceremony was coordinated by SDUSM Brian Lucio and held in courtroom one. Guests in attendance included the family and friends of DUSM Wells, the Middle Louisiana Fugitive Task Force, Judicial Officers for the Middle District of Louisiana: Honorable John W. deGravelles, Honorable James J. Brady, Honorable Douglas D. Dodd, Honorable Richard L. Bourgeois, and Honorable Erin Wilder-Doomes, Mayor Melvin L. “Kip” Holden, United States Marshal Kevin C. Harrison, United States Attorney Colonel J. Walter Green, Clerk of Court Michael L. McConnell, Chief United States Probation Officer Clarence P. Rambo, courthouse employees, and other local officials and law enforcement from around the region. United States Marshal Kevin C. Harrison read a beautiful letter that touched everyone in attendance, while Judges deGravelles and Brady expressed their sympathy to all. A plaque bearing DUSM Wells’ photo was unveiled by sisters, Taniesha Wells-Garcia and Melanie Wells. The plaque will be displayed in the office of the United States Marshal’s Service for the Middle District of Louisiana.
DUSM Wells, assigned to the Southern District of Mississippi, was killed during the execution of an arrest warrant in Baton Rouge on March 10, 2015 while supporting the Middle Louisiana Task Force during a fugitive apprehension initiative. DUSM Wells (27) left behind his wife, Channing Wells, who was pregnant at the time with their son, who was born August 27, 2015 and named after his father. Since March 2015, the United States Marshal's Service for the Middle District of Louisiana has continued its mission to serve and protect. However, the weight of that day still lingers.