Louisiana State Police drop in for a visit at MBS

Students excitedly gathered on the football field of Most Blessed Sacrament School in Baton Rouge as a Louisiana State Police helicopter landed. Out of the helicopter popped MBS principal Cheri Gioe as students circled around to hear the first presentation during LSP Day at the school.

Troopers assigned to the Motorcycle Unit at Troop A, Emergency Service Unit Technicians, SWAT, Public Affairs officers, air support and a drone pilot presented their specific specialties to the students, according to Cpt. Nick Manale, LSP public information officer.

After the helicopter presentation, students rotated to different stations for short presentations.

Many squealed with wide-eyed delight while sirens were sounded and lights flashed as they had their pictures taken on LSP motorcycles.

At another station, students wore ballistic vests and toured the LSP SWAT vehicle Bearcat.

“The SWAT car had several weapons which was amazing to see,” said sixth-grader William Arceneaux.

Students also watched as a drone with various video capabilities whirred around while at another location Emergency Service Unit responders demonstrated the application of a bomb diffusing device.  

Gavin Brouillette, who is in sixth grade said, “I enjoyed seeing the robots that are used for all of the projects.” 

With some students a canine came out as the “top dog” in the presentations. 

“My favorite part was watching and learning about the service dog and watching him sniff out his task,” said seventh-grader Charlie Gautreau.

Manale said LSP routinely schedules safety presentations and educational visits to schools, businesses and community events across the state to promote the department’s safety campaigns and to have positive interactions with citizens. 

LSP public information officers are available to schedule presentations and visits across the state on a variety of safety topics.  

For more information about the educational opportunities offered in your area, contact your nearest PIO at lsp.org/public.html.