HLS 11RS-3488 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2011
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 156
BY REPRESENTATIVE POPE
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences to the family of Rhett Jeansonne
A RESOLUTION1
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the House of Representatives upon the2
death of Rhett Jeansonne, Fraud Section Investigator with the Louisiana Department3
of Insurance.4
WHEREAS, it was with deep regret and sincere sorrow that the members of the5
House of Representatives of the Louisiana Legislature have learned of the untimely death6
at age thirty-nine of Rhett Jeansonne, a dedicated state employee who gave his life in the line7
of duty on June 7, 2011; and 8
WHEREAS, Rhett Jeansonne, a resident of Denham Springs, had previously worked9
for the state fire marshal's office and began his career at the Louisiana Department of10
Insurance in November of 2006, as a fraud section investigator; and 11
WHEREAS, Mr. Jeansonne's many achievements include National Emergency12
Medical Technician Certification (EMT), Firefighter and Emergency Responder13
certification, and EMT certification; and14
WHEREAS, Mr. Jeansonne was also an American Heart Association CPR certified15
instructor who trained some of the Louisiana Department of Insurance's staff as well as a16
safety warden for the department; and 17
WHEREAS, Mr. Jeansonne additionally served as a volunteer firefighter for18
twenty-two years with Districts 4 and 5 in Livingston Parish, attaining the rank of medical19
captain with District 5; and 20 HLS 11RS-3488 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 156
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WHEREAS, Mr. Jeansonne was loved deeply by his family as well as his fellow1
employees at the Department of Insurance who unanimously speak only in the highest terms2
of him as a person and a state employee; and 3
WHEREAS, Mr. Jeansonne has also been described as a compassionate person who4
always went out of his way to help others and who loved and was dedicated to his job and5
making a difference in state government; and 6
WHEREAS, Commissioner Jim Donelon called Mr. Jeansonne's death and that of7
his co-worker, Kimberly McElveen Sledge: "the darkest day in the history of the Department8
of Insurance"; and 9
WHEREAS, Governor Bobby Jindal issued an executive order calling for the flags10
at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday, June 10, 2011, in11
recognition of Mr. Jeansonne's and Mrs. Sledge's dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice;12
and 13
WHEREAS, to further recognize these fallen heroes, state law is currently being14
amended by the Legislature of Louisiana to retroactively provide for their families and to15
ensure that the families of other state employees will be similarly protected under the same16
circumstances; and17
WHEREAS, Mr. Jeansonne is survived by his wife, Bernadette, his daughter, Sharon,18
and sons, Krisopher, Kale, and Konner, and a granddaughter, Khloe, born May 18, 2011,19
as well as a host of other close relatives and friends who will continue to mourn his tragic20
and untimely death. 21
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the22
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express its condolences upon the death of Rhett23
Jeansonne, Fraud Section Investigator with the Louisiana Department of Insurance, who24
gave his life in the line of duty on June 7, 2011, and does hereby acknowledge his exemplary25
public service to the citizens of Louisiana.26
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted27
to the family of Rhett Jeansonne.28 HLS 11RS-3488 ORIGINAL
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Pope HR No. 156
Expresses the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of Rhett
Jeansonne, Fraud Section Investigator with the La. Dept. of Insurance, who gave his life in
the line of duty on June 7, 2011.