Officer's Survivors Grateful For Police
Submitted by N.O.V.A. July 2005
Times Picayune	09-27-1998


************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm
************************************************



Leonard Carr was a police officer and, by all accounts, a good one. Twenty-one years
with the New Orleans Police Department earned him a number of promotions and the
respect of his peers.

"He was just a dynamic person," said Carr's elder brother, Noel, 55, of St. Bernard.
"He worked on or was involved with just about every program and department (in the
force) over the years he was there."

Leonard Carr died in July, leaving three daughters and a number of family members
native to St. Bernard Parish.

"He was involved in a serious auto accident back on Jan. 5, 1997," Carr's brother
explained. "He died from a blood clot and his death is still unclassified by
NOPD...they're not sure if it's related to the accident or not."

But the story here is not about Carr's untimely demise, but about the extraordinary
honor accorded him following his death.

"Leonard's funeral was held on July 27 of this year," Carr said. "And the most amazing
thing was the outpouring of respect we saw coming from his fellow officers at the
funeral."

Representatives from neighboring police departments came from as far away as St.
Tammany Parish and included officers from Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard parishes.

"It was just amazing," said family friend Isaac Thornton. "It must've taken a good 20
minutes for all those police cars (in the funeral procession) to get past...and they
weren't moving slow."

Carr's family was especially grateful to the St. Bernard Sheriff's Department and
Sheriff Jack Stephens for their part in the proceedings.

"The (St. Bernard Sheriff's) department did so much that my family will always recall
and cherish," Carr said. "Some of the officers came and visited with our family to
offer their condolences while others attended the visitation and funeral services and
sent beautiful floral displays.

"It was excellently done and we feel consolation in laying to rest one of 'New Orleans
Finest' with the cooperation of 'St. Bernard's Finest."'

The entire Carr family would also like to thank Sgt. Mary Robertson of the Verrett
Station, Lt. Mitch Roussell, Lt. Bartholomew and Lt. Poche and Maj. Richard Baumy and
Capt. Jimmy Pohlmann.

"I hold all of these fine officers and the entire department in the highest esteem for
the sympathy and services they rendered to my family during this difficult time," Carr
said. "I am truly grateful and pleased and I'm sure that Leonard would be also."

The officers of the St. Bernard Sportsmen's League are asking all members, as well as
other area sports enthusiasts, to help support the Third Annual State Troopers' Rodeo
slated for Oct. 10 at the Gulf Outlet Marina on Paris Road. All proceeds will go to
help support State Police Troop B.

Food, drinks and prizes will be available. Entry fees are $20 and include a
commemorative T-shirt.

For information or to register in advance, call 471-2775.

Ben Vollentine lives in Chalmette and writes about people and events in western
Chalmette. To report news to him, call 271-7130.