Deputy Commendations

Lake Charles, LA - LakeCharles.com



In May 2008, the Enforcement Division handled 35 arrests for Driving While Intoxicated. Of the 35 arrests, Cpl. Ryan Moreno self initiated 7 of those arrests – 5 arrest in two days; 3 in one nights; and 2 the following night. Handling DWI's are extremely time-consuming. It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the paperwork involved, and great patience to deal with intoxicated people.

Cpl. Mareno is a pro-active patrol deputy whose only concern is the safety of the public. By removing intoxicated subjects off the road, it is possible he could have saved someone's life.

Cpl. Mareno is pictured here with Sheriff Mancuso receiving a commendation pin for his dedication and for his willingness to go the extra mile.


On August 18, 2007 around midnight, while enroute to an off-duty job, Deputy Neil Gremillion became suspicious when he observed two cars parked in a private driveway, one partially on the roadway. Upon passing the cars, he noticed two men standing near one of the cars which was on blocks and missing several tires. When he turned around to check on the situation, the two men drove the other car off at a fast rate of speed with no headlights. Deputy Gremillion attempted to stop the car using his overhead lights and siren. They refused to stop going over 100 mph. He observed the passenger throw a small plastic bag out of the window. The bag containing marijuana was recovered by another deputy.

Deputy Gremillion continued to pursue the men until they abandoned their car. He began to chase the driver on foot and was able to apprehend him. It was later determined the car had stolen merchandise in the trunk.

Due to Deputy Gremillion’s attentiveness and professionalism, even though no on duty, two criminals were taken off the street and stolen property was recovered. He is pictured with Sheriff Mancuso after receiving his commendation.


On May 10th around 1:30 p.m., while patrolling the Moss Bluff area, Corporal William Wilcox was dispatched to the area of Gloria St. and Hwy. 171 in regard to a prisoner who escaped from work duty. Wilcox set up a perimeter to secure the area and within 70 minutes, he heard movement in the area and observed the suspect attempt to run. He went in foot pursuit of the suspect, tackled and apprehended him with no incident.

Due to Cpl. Wilcox’s attentiveness and professionalism the community of Moss Bluff was spared any danger of an escapee in their neighborhood.

He is pictured with Sheriff Mancuso after receiving his commendation – his 2nd one this year.


Sgt. Corey Manuel is the team leader of the prestigious CPSO Honor Guard. Under his leadership, the Honor Guard has become the absolute best in the area, if not the state. Because of Sgt. Manuel’s leadership, we buried two of our deputies, Jared Malone and Alan Inzer, with the honor they deserved.

Sgt. Manuel spends countless hours (often off-duty) making sure the Honor Guard represents CPSO in the most professional way possible. Every member of the Honor Guard performs flawlessly and conducts themselves with the utmost professionalism.

Sheriff Tony Mancuso presents Sgt. Manuel with the highest award a deputy can receive – the challenge coin- for his dedication and commitment to making the CPSO Honor Guard a successful, elite unit.


Sheriff Tony Mancuso received a letter of appreciation from a lady who stated Deputy Gary Morgan changed her flat tire at the Iowa Community Center. She stated his kindness was very much appreciated and it came at a time when she truly needed help. She said it was nice to know that our community has such good people in our Sheriff’s Office.

Morgan is pictured with Sheriff Mancuso after receiving a commendation pin from him.


Correctional Officer Deputy Arcelia Pillsbury received two letters of appreciation - one from an Oakdale attorney and the other from a supervisor at U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - for her willingness to go above and beyond her scope of duties to assist them in various matters. Both state what an exceptional job she does and how much they appreciate her.

She is pictured with Sheriff Mancuso after receiving a commendation pin from him.


On February 27th, CPSO Cpl. Jonathan Corkran and Deputy Lance Melendy received a call in reference to a home burglary on Old Town Rd.  Upon arrival at the home, the deputies learned an unknown person had broken into the home by force and stolen a gun. 

Corkran and Melendy began to question several people in the area and were able to obtain the name of a suspect due to the keen observation of a neighbor.  

Due to Cpl. Corkran and Deputy Melendy’s action and dedicated service, the burglar was identified, booked into the Juvenile Detention Center, and the gun was returned to its owner.

He is pictured with Sheriff Mancuso after receiving his commendation.



On March 1 at approximately 2:00 a.m. while on patrol, Cpl. William Wilcox received a call in reference to a suspicious white Suburban driving slowing in a Moss Bluff neighborhood. Wilcox located the SUV and conducted a traffic stop and detained 3 people in the car. Upon further investigation, it was discovered these 3 people had burglarized a minimum of 4 residences and 1 business that night.

Due to Cpl. Wilcox's quick action and dedicated service, 3 burglars were arrested and booked into the jail, and the stolen merchandise was returned to their owners.

He is pictured with Sheriff Mancuso after receiving his commendation.




On March 9, these correctional officers conducted a shakedown of cells at the Calcasieu Correctional Center that resulted in the recovery of illegal contraband from inmates.

The courage, dedication and vigilance displayed by these extraordinary officers most assuredly prevented what could have been a tragic incident.

Pictured with Sheriff Mancuso after receiving their commendation are (l to r) Deputy Charles Ipes, Deputy Erik Oliver, Deputy Vera Spears, and Deputy Jeff Fruge. Not pictured is Deputy Tom Ballard.


These correctional officers received a commendation from the Sheriff for a shakedown of cells on December 25, 2006 at the Calcasieu Correctional Center that resulted in the recovery of illegal contraband from two maximum security inmates.

The courage, dedication and vigilance displayed by these extraordinary officers most assuredly prevented what could have been a tragic incident.


Deputy Brandon Strength

Deputy Jeremy Brady


Deputy James Stains

Deputy Michael Abate


Deputy Seth Burk

Deputy Scott Saucier