Aftermath in the Bayou: Visiting the 2018 Louisiana Sheriffs Association Conference

Last week, the Louisiana Sheriffs Association Conference was held at the Hilton Sandestin in Destin, FL. This marked the first time that Aftermath visited the event, one of the few law enforcement conferences in the state (though the show itself is held in Florida). Approximately 200 sheriffs and their deputies and other affiliated law enforcement agents also attended. Aftermath’s Senior Manager of Law Enforcement Relations, Rodney Tower, was available to answer questions about the company’s services and to explain the importance of proper biohazard cleanup.

What is the LSA?

The Louisiana Sheriffs Association was founded in 1938 to represent all sheriffs offices in Louisiana, “large and small, urban and rural.” The state is unique among sheriffs organizations in each sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer; the chief executive officer of the court; and the official tax collector for the parish in which he has been elected. The LSA is comprised of Louisiana´s 64 sheriffs and nearly 14,000 deputy sheriffs. Its purpose is to “maintain the powers of the sheriff as peace officer, to ensure the delivery of first-rate services by sponsoring legislation to promote the administration of criminal justice and to serve as a clearinghouse for information.”

The annual 4-day conference includes not only business meetings, but training for both sheriffs and wardens. Visiting sheriffs were treated to breakfast in the vendor area during two days of the conference, a hospitality room, and there was an evening social held one night for the officers and vendors to share information.

Giveaway TIme At the Aftermath Booth

The conference used a stamp system that encouraged attendees to visit all the booths. Aftermath was the only bio-hazard company present, which led to good conversations with many of those who stopped by. Most of the officers were surprised but pleased to learn that coverage was available in their area; nearly all those who visited the booth expressed that they could think of at least one situation where having a crime scene cleaner on call would have been beneficial.

Though he ran out of materials to give away, most of those who stopped by to chat with Rodney about Aftermath didn’t leave empty-handed. In addition to informative brochures, Rodney passed out notepads, pens, and other Aftermath branded items.

Several officers who entered the Aftermath drawing received special prizes. Sheriff James Pohlmann (pictured above) of St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Office took home the Conference Prize, and Chief Deputy Chris Savoie of Cameron Parish Sheriffs Office won the Door Prize (awarded by LSA). Both walked away with a 5.11 tactical bag, plus a PPE kit. The conference prize also included two of Aftermath’s new blue line t-shirts. Tamberlin Touchet & Deputy Chief Joshua Wingrove of Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office also took home t-shirts.

From Coast to Coast

Rodney would like to thank the members and guests of LSA for being welcoming, and for their curiosity and asking of excellent questions about professional cleanup services. For those just getting to know Aftermath, we are proud sponsors of organizations like LSA all across the US. Not only do we help families who are dealing with difficult circumstances; we also provide specialized services such as squad car and jail cell cleanings directly to law enforcement.

Some LSA attendees requested additional materials that will help make it easier for them to have our number handy in case they need to provide it to families. If you are a member of Law Enforcement and would like to request information or marketing materials for your department, fill out our online request form or call us directly at 877-872-4339.