2024 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 141
BY SENATOR WOMACK
A RESOLUTION
To commend Concordia Parish Chief Deputy Fred Middleton on being named Deputy of the
Year by the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association.
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association, under the leadership of President
Sheriff Doug Hebert, and the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association Awards Committee, has chosen
Chief Deputy Fred Middleton of the Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office to receive the
esteemed Deputy of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, the Deputy of the Year Award is designed to recognize a deputy sheriff
who has demonstrated exceptional initiative and creativity in the execution of their duties
and who has endeavored to enhance the quality of life in their community; and
WHEREAS, since taking the oath of office as Chief Deputy of the Concordia Parish
Sheriff's Office in 2020, Fred Middleton has exemplified these qualities by implementing
numerous programs aimed at supporting survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault,
domestic violence, and child solicitation; and
WHEREAS, with the approval and support of Sheriff David Hedrick, Chief Deputy
Middleton established a state-of-the-art Cyber Crime Unit (CCU) to enhance the
investigative capabilities of the Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office against predators
exploiting juveniles via the internet and online communications; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the significant financial investment required to develop the
CCU, Chief Deputy Middleton partnered with the global nonprofit organization "Operation
Underground Railroad", which assists law enforcement in combating child trafficking and
exploitation; and
WHEREAS, the CCU has been instrumental in extracting critical evidence from
various electronic devices using specialized, industry-recognized software, thus enabling
detectives to expedite the analysis of computers, hard drives, thumb drives, cell phones, and
other media storage devices, leading to the timely and accurate apprehension of criminals
in Concordia Parish; and
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WHEREAS, by 2022, the CCU had successfully resolved 400 cases within
Concordia Parish and numerous others across the state, garnering the attention and
recognition of the Community Foundation of Acadiana, which awarded the Concordia Parish
Sheriff's Office the "Leaders in Law Enforcement Award", accompanied by a $35,000 gift
from the Brown Foundation to further support the CCU's operations; and
WHEREAS, Chief Deputy Middleton was pivotal in the establishment of the "Victim
Advocate" position within the sheriff's office which serves as a liaison between the CCU and
crime victims, and the creation of the "Community Justice Center" in 2022, which includes
"Hope's Space", a soft interview room designed to provide a safe and comfortable
environment for victims to share their stories and make decisions about their cases; and
WHEREAS, Chief Deputy Middleton's unwavering dedication to improving the
quality of life in his community and his relentless efforts to enhance the CCU were further
demonstrated by securing a $70,000 Sub Grant from the Louisiana Commission on Law
Enforcement for an online victim recovery program; and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association is proud to honor Chief Deputy Fred
Middleton as this year's Deputy of the Year in recognition of his outstanding service,
leadership, and commitment to the safety and well-being of his community.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Concordia Parish Chief Deputy Fred Middleton on being named
Deputy of the Year by the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Chief
Deputy Fred Middleton.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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