Louisiana Chapter Concerns of Police Survivors
I serve as a Captain at the Chitimacha Tribal Police Department and am an active Law Enforcement Officer. My career veered onto a path I always knew was possible, but never anticipated. January 26, 2013, which I refer to as my D-Day, was a pivotal day that altered my life irrevocably and nearly cost me my life, if not for the intervention of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). On that fateful January morning, Sergeant Frederick "Rick" Riggenbach made the ultimate sacrifice while performing his duty to protect and serve. In the aftermath, I found myself shrouded in a fog, mechanically moving from one memorial service to another, merely existing. The day Rick died, a couple introduced me to C.O.P.S., an organization I was unfamiliar with. During Police Week, C.O.P.S. members were instrumental in helping us through the overwhelming events, with Survivors stepping in to guide me whenever I appeared lost. As time progressed, I engaged with the Louisiana C.O.P.S. chapter, where several individuals mentioned a hands-on program called the Co-Workers Retreat. Initially skeptical, believing I was coping well on my own, I eventually attended the retreat to appease those suggesting it. It was there that I recognized the profound impact of my experiences and the crucial role C.O.P.S. would play in my healing. The retreat marked a turning point, where I acknowledged that I was not only a Co-Worker but also a Survivor. I became actively involved in my State chapter and maintained the connections formed at the retreat.
Now, I travel across the State, sharing Rick's story with other Law Enforcement Agencies and educating them about the support C.O.P.S. provides for Survivors. As I start my 5th year as a Louisiana C.O.P.S. Executive Board, I want all Survivors to know that I am here for each of you, and if you need anything from me, please reach out. To the Law Enforcement Agencies across the State of Louisiana if you need anything for me; becoming more familiar with C.O.P.S., services provided, payroll deduction do not hesitate to call me.
Jada Breaux, Surviving Co-Worker 2013
Sgt. Frederick 'Rick' Riggenbach, Chitimacha Tribal Police, EOW 1/26/2013
Bailee Deen Vice President
I am Bailee Dean, the surviving daughter of Captain Vincent N Liberto Jr. from Mandeville, Louisiana, who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 20, 2019, while on duty. To honor my father, my mother and I established a memorial fund to support his legacy and give back to our community.
Following my father's passing, my husband Michael Dean, our children Aden and Hugh B., and our extended family were introduced to the Louisiana C.O.P.S. organization. We are immensely thankful for the support that the Louisiana C.O.P.S. Chapter has provided us.
I am excited to begin my tenure as a member of the Louisiana C.O.P.S. Board. Serving and supporting the families, colleagues, and friends of those who have served in Louisiana is a passion of mine. I aim to positively impact and uphold my father's legacy of dedication and sacrifice through my involvement. Bailee Dean, Surviving Daughter 2019 Cpt. Vincent N. Liberto, Jr., Mandeville Police Department, EOW September 20, 2019
Following my father's passing, my husband Michael Dean, our children Aden and Hugh B., and our extended family were introduced to the Louisiana C.O.P.S. organization. We are immensely thankful for the support that the Louisiana C.O.P.S. Chapter has provided us.
I am excited to begin my tenure as a member of the Louisiana C.O.P.S. Board. Serving and supporting the families, colleagues, and friends of those who have served in Louisiana is a passion of mine. I aim to positively impact and uphold my father's legacy of dedication and sacrifice through my involvement. Bailee Dean, Surviving Daughter 2019 Cpt. Vincent N. Liberto, Jr., Mandeville Police Department, EOW September 20, 2019
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On May 31, 2016, our world was turned upside down. A normal day for my husband, our three beautiful daughters, and me ended in tragedy. I lost not only my husband but also my best friend, and my girls lost the most wonderful 'Girl Dad' that God could have given them. In an instant, our world was altered. I faced the daunting task of raising three young girls alone: Sophia, 9 years old, Lila, 6 years old, and Brileigh, 5 years old. However, a few short weeks later, I discovered we were not alone. After my husband's funeral services, my children learned about an organization called Louisiana C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors). On Father's Day weekend in June 2016, my girls and I attended our first Louisiana C.O.P.S. event. Although much of that weekend is a blur, it had a profound impact on us. We met many other families who have now become our blue family. From that weekend on, we began rebuilding our shattered lives. The following year, my girls attended another Louisiana C.O.P.S. event, and in July 2017, we went to C.O.P.S. Kids Camp in Wisconsin for the first time. That week at Kids Camp, my girls and I had the chance to meet families from across the United States who had also lost a loved one in law enforcement. My girls could share their pain with other children facing similar struggles. We left our first Kids Camp with a vast support system that truly understood our lives. Since then, we have attended every Kids Camp. My husband was honored in May 2018 during National Police Week in Washington D.C., a time when C.O.P.S. truly honors officers who have fallen in the line of duty. Though it was an overwhelming week, it is one that my girls and I will continue to attend. We have grown immensely through C.O.P.S., and I know Robert is smiling at this organization that has stepped up to help his girls and forever changed our lives. Whether we are attending an event for our local Chapter or a National event, we are provided with a time of compassion and healing.
Tanya Johnson, Surviving Spouse 2016
Cpl. Robert C. Johnson, Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office, EOW May 31, 2016
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My connection to C.O.P.S is deeply personal and heartfelt. Several years ago, my beloved son-in-law, Trooper George Baker, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as a law enforcement officer with the Louisiana State Police. This tragic loss not only devastated our family but also opened my eyes to the invaluable support and solace that C.O.P.S provides to grieving families like ours.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible work that C.O.P.S does to support the families of fallen officers. The emotional and practical assistance provided by this organization during our darkest hours was a lifeline, and it is my heartfelt desire to play a more active role in furthering these efforts. I want to ensure that our chapter continues to provide unwavering support to those who have experienced the same pain and heartache that my family endured.
As Secretary, I am committed to upholding the values and principles of C.O.P.S and working diligently to contribute to the chapter's success. I will work tirelessly to ensure that the chapter continues to provide invaluable support to the families of fallen officers in our community, just as it did and continues to do for my family.
Holly Gildig, Surviving Mother in Law
Trooper George B. Baker, Louisiana State Police, EOW May 24, 2020
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On September 30, 2011, life as I knew it was irrevocably altered with a knock on the door. At that time, my life seemed perfect with a loving husband and devoted father to our three boys, Mathew, 16, Nathan, 11, and Brayden, 2, until it was shattered and my fairly tale was altered.
My boys and I attended National Police Week in May 2012, where we discovered the extent of the Concerns of Police Survivors' reach. In July 2012, Nathan, then 12, and I flew to our first C.O.P.S. Kids Camp. It was there that we began to find hope. We have continued to attend retreats annually and every National Police Week since 2012, forging friendships that have supported our journey to rebuild. In the fall of 2013, I went to my first Spouses Retreat, where the support and bonds formed with other C.O.P.S. survivors have been instrumental in my growth as a solo parent.
Our eldest, Mathew, is now engaged and expecting his first child. Nathan is married and has followed in his father's footsteps as an officer. Our youngest, now 14, continues to attend camp each summer, building memories of his father. I am confident Paul would be immensely proud of them.
My deepest hope is that no other family would need to join this organization, but knowing that's not possible, the best we can do is introduce them to Concerns of Police Survivors and guide them in rebuilding their shattered lives. I believe our local chapter is a tremendous support to our survivors, and I look forward to assisting our families. Kim Stuckey, Surviving Spouse 2011 Sgt. Paul Stuckey, Louisiana Dept. Wildlife & Fisheries, EOW 9/30/2011
Our eldest, Mathew, is now engaged and expecting his first child. Nathan is married and has followed in his father's footsteps as an officer. Our youngest, now 14, continues to attend camp each summer, building memories of his father. I am confident Paul would be immensely proud of them.
My deepest hope is that no other family would need to join this organization, but knowing that's not possible, the best we can do is introduce them to Concerns of Police Survivors and guide them in rebuilding their shattered lives. I believe our local chapter is a tremendous support to our survivors, and I look forward to assisting our families. Kim Stuckey, Surviving Spouse 2011 Sgt. Paul Stuckey, Louisiana Dept. Wildlife & Fisheries, EOW 9/30/2011