On-duty Louisiana State Trooper Killed in Vehicle Crash

Lake Charles- Tuesday evening a Louisiana State Trooper assigned to Troop D in Lake Charles was killed in a two vehicle crash. "It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of Louisiana State Trooper Duane Dalton," said Colonel Mike Edmonson, State Police Superintendent and Deputy Secretary-Department of Public Safety. "The entire DPS family mourns the loss of Senior Trooper Dalton but we shall never forget his service to the citizens of Louisiana."

On January 12, 2010, at approximately 7:30 pm, Trooper Dalton (39y/o of Lake Charles) was driving his State Police unit, a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria, south on US 171 approaching Gloria Lane near the community of Moss Bluff. Debra Bourque (50y/o of Lake Charles) was traveling east on Gloria Lane approaching US 171 in a 2007 Nissan Murano. Bourque entered US 171 into the path of Trooper Dalton's vehicle. The front of Bourque’s vehicle struck the right side of Trooper Dalton's unit. After impact, Trooper Dalton's unit rotated clockwise, entered a ditch, and struck a culvert on the driver's side.

Trooper Dalton was transported to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital by Acadian Ambulance Air Med. Trooper Dalton was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Bourque was not injured in the crash. Both Trooper Dalton and Bourque were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

A blood alcohol test indicated that Bourque had not consumed any alcohol prior to the crash. Further toxicology samples for Bourque are pending at the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab.

Charges are pending the outcome of the continuing investigation.

Trooper Dalton is survived by his wife and three sons. Trooper Dalton began his career with the Louisiana State Police on December 3, 1995. At the time of the crash, he was assigned as a patrol trooper at Troop D.

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Trooper Dalton is the 25th trooper killed in the line of duty in the history of the Louisiana State Police. The last trooper killed in the line of duty was Trooper Hung N. Le of Troop B (Kenner) on June 30, 1998.

UPDATE

Trooper Duane Dalton Funeral Arrangements

The visitation is at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St., Lake Charles, LA from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm on Friday January 15, 2010. The procession will be moved to Trinity Baptist Church, 1800 Country Club Rd. Lake Charles, LA at 9:00 am Saturday January 16, 2010 where visitation will begin at 10:00 am.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church. Burial will be at Consolata Cemetery 2300 Country Club Rd. Lake Charles, LA.

January 13, 2010

***Update***

Trooper Duane Dalton Children’s Education Fund

Louisiana Trooper Charities, the charitable arm of the Louisiana State Troopers Association, has established the Trooper Duane Dalton Children’s Education Fund to benefit the three sons of the fallen trooper. Anyone wishing to make a contribution may do so at any Chase Bank.

Louisiana Trooper Charities

Trooper Duane Dalton Children’s Education Fund

Account Number 857998694

Louisiana Trooper Charities is recognized by the IRS as a 501-C-3 charity and contributions to this fund are fully tax

deductable.

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UPDATE January 16

Trooper Duane Dalton Remembered Fondly, Honored by Many

LAKE CHARLES – Louisiana State Troopers said goodbye to one of their own in an emotional ceremony in Lake Charles today. Trooper Duane Dalton was laid to rest at Consolata Cemetery following funeral services at Trinity Baptist Church this afternoon. Police agencies from across the state and the country, from agencies as far away as California and New York, were in attendance to honor a fellow law enforcement officer and his family. Off-duty Louisiana State Troopers and Department of Public Safety Officers arrived throughout the past two days from every corner of the state to honor the life and service of the one of their own. There were over eighty (80) motorcycle units from State Police Troops, Sheriff’s Offices, and City Police Departments across the state. Louisiana State Police Superintendent, Colonel Mike Edmonson, who was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the law enforcement community, said, “While this has been one of the hardest, most heart-wrenching times in my two years as Superintendent of State Police, I take great comfort in the brotherhood and support we are able to show to Trooper Dalton’s family. The support we have received from throughout the country is a testament to the great human spirit.” Colonel Edmonson added, “This badge that we wear is a privilege given to us by the citizens of this great state, and Trooper Dalton wore it with distinction. He was truly a professional, he took great pride in his abilities, and he carried out his duties without fail. He was a dedicated public servant, but he was a devoted husband and father first.”

Trooper Dalton spent his entire adult life in service to the citizens of our state and country. After serving honorably in the United States Army, Trooper Dalton began his law enforcement career as a police officer with Lake Charles Police Department before becoming a Louisiana State Trooper on December 3, 1995. Trooper Dalton was well respected and well liked by his peers, both inside the Louisiana State Police and out. The high regard in which he was held was evident by the large number of fellow officers in attendance at the funeral.

Trooper Dalton is survived by his wife and three sons and leaves behind a large extended family. He is the 25th trooper to be killed in the line of duty in the history of the Louisiana State Police. The last trooper killed in the line of duty was Trooper Hung N. Le of Troop B on June 30, 1998.