Former State Police executive officer started dynasty
Raymond Legendre
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, February 27, 2009 at 2:37 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, February 27, 2009 at 2:38 p.m.
GRAY — He did not talk about being a successful police officer with his children or grandchildren. They saw the way he carried himself and treated others, and that sufficed.
With his friendly demeanor and high standards for accountability, Elmo Falgout Sr., started a first-of-its-kind dynasty within State Police ranks.
He and his son, Elmo Falgout Jr., as well as grandson Gregg Falgout, each served as their Troop’s executive officer. Gregg Falgout currently holds that title at Troop C in Gray.
An executive officer functions as an office manager for a State Police troop and is its second-in-command.
Falgout Sr., a native and resident of Raceland, died Sunday. He was 94.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen, one son, Elmo Jr., and one daughter, Tanya Saucier, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Falgout Sr. was not the type to trumpet his own accomplishments, his son said.
“I once heard him say he enjoyed helping people,” Falgout Jr. said. “But he didn’t bring his work home.”
Capt. Darren Naquin, Troop C’s Commander, credits Falgout Sr. with setting an example for not just his son and grandson, but all troopers.
“The dedication and professionalism of Elmo Jr. and Gregg Falgout can be directly related to Elmo Sr.,” Naquin said. “It is with heavy hearts we witness his passing, but we are thankful and proud of the paths the Falgout family has led.”
Falgout Sr. worked 39 years in law enforcement, the first 26 with the State Police and the final 13 with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, before retiring to a life of visiting with family, doing yard work and watching sporting events.
Prior to joining the State Police he drove an ambulance for Falgout Funeral Home in Raceland and worked for a tank manufacturer in Houma. When the tank-building job ended, an uncle told him State Police had an opening.
“It was a job, and he sure got to like it,” said Falgout Jr., who was 6 when his father began his State Police career.
When Falgout Sr. started in 1949, troopers used a one-way radio incapable of allowing them to respond to messages.
They also worked expanded shifts depending on how much action they had on a given day. Troop C in Gray did not exist and it would be another 29 years before its current headquarters opened.
As the years passed, Falgout Sr. moved up the chain of command, eventually achieving the position of troop clerk, now known as executive officer.
By that time Falgout Jr. was a cadet in the State Police training academy. The younger Falgout eventually served 34 years with State Police and held the title of executive officer for 12 years.
“I’m sure he was proud of me,” said Falgout Jr., now 67 and working as an investigator for the Lafourche Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Offices. “I think he expected more of me than other troopers. He was my father but that didn’t mean it was a smooth ride. I had a bumpier ride.”
The elder Falgout held everyone to the same standard, retired Lt. Bob Bazet said.
“Elmo was easy going, but he was a darn good trooper,” Bazet said.
Staff Writer Raymond Legendre can be reached at 448-7617 or
raymond.legendre@houmatoday.com.
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