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Opelousas Police Department promotes officers, reports staffing and recognitions
Summary
Chief Greg LeBlanc announced promotions to major and provisional captain, a new communications hire, officer recognitions and an update on department staffing levels during the council meeting.
Chief Greg LeBlanc used the Feb. 11 council meeting to recognize officers, present promotions and give a staffing update for the Opelousas Police Department.
The chief recognized Lieutenant Katina Papillon for nearly 18 years of service and Officer Anthony Henry for selection as officer of the quarter; both were praised for service to the community. LeBlanc also described promotions and personnel actions: Captain Frank Boudreaux was promoted to Probational Major (ceremony and pinning noted in chamber), Lieutenant Michael Lacone was promoted to provisional captain effective Feb. 2, 2025, and Lydia Johnson was approved for hire as a provisional communications officer effective March 2, 2025. The promotions were supported in formal votes recorded in the meeting.
LeBlanc provided staffing numbers: the department had 42 sworn officers on the roster at the time of the meeting, with three officers in the academy and additional personnel completing training before being put on patrol. He said the department has been increasing patrol units as recruits are certified and that newer patrol vehicles have reduced maintenance costs.
Why it matters: the personnel decisions alter leadership and supervisory responsibilities in the police department, and the staffing update indicates how many officers are available for patrol and public safety duties.
Council members publicly congratulated promoted officers and discussed the chief's comments about morale and the department's direction. The chief encouraged transparency and invited council members to administrative briefings.
