2022 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 143
BY SENATOR BOUIE
A RESOLUTION
To commend Mr. Sidney H. Cates III for his illustrious service to the New Orleans Police
Department (NOPD), the city of New Orleans, and the United States of America.
WHEREAS, Mr. Cates, a veteran of the U.S. Army, honorably served his country
with great dignity, courage, and pride during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, in February of 1955, Mr. Cates joined the NOPD, beginning a career
that would include positions in the Bureau of Services, the Motor Maintenance Bureau, and
the Juvenile Bureau, as well as supervisor of the Vice Squad and supervising command of
the Third and Fifth Districts; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cates was also instrumental in the formation of the Community
Relations Division, which would later obtain national prominence as a result of his
leadership as commander; and
WHEREAS, during his time with NOPD, Mr. Cates obtained a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Criminology from Loyola University; and
WHEREAS, in December of 1964, Cates was promoted to the rank of captain, being
the first black man to achieve this rank in the NOPD; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as commander of the Community Relations Division,
Cates received honorable mention citations from the Louisiana Civil Service League at the
Charles E. Dunbar Jr. Career Service Awards ceremony; Superintendent Clarence Giarusso
nominated Cates for the award for his dedicated performance, citing his "intelligence,
integrity, determination, and perseverance"; and
WHEREAS, Cates received the Alfred E. Clay Award presented by the Children's
Bureau of New Orleans for his outstanding contributions to the welfare of children in the
community by the design, implementation, and supervision of the programs sponsored by
the Community Relations Division of the NOPD; and
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WHEREAS, on August 25, 1970, Cates was promoted to Deputy Chief of
Administration, the third highest position in the NOPD; and
WHEREAS, Cates was bestowed the highest honor the Catholic Church can award
to a layman when upon the recommendation of Archbishop Phillip Hannan, he was invested
as an Equestrian Knight into the Southern Lieutenancy of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem
(EKHSJ), the organization entrusted with the care of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, and
is the only lay order recognized by the papal seat in Rome; and
WHEREAS, on February 1, 1972, Cates retired from the NOPD to serve in city
government as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer in charge of federal programs; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cates demonstrated exceptional courage, dedication, and leadership
throughout his storied career as his positive influence impacted not only the NOPD, but the
entire New Orleans community.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Mr. Sidney H. Cates III for his remarkable service and unending
commitment to the NOPD, the citizens of New Orleans, and the citizens of the state of
Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Mr. Sidney H. Cates III.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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