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Det. Sgt. Demond Memminger was named 2023 Officer of the Year by the St. John Sheriff’s Office during the 10th Officer of the Year Awards Ceremony January 18, 2024 at the Lloyd B. Johnson Law Enforcement Training Center in LaPlace.

Sgt. Memminger was recognized for his exceptional response and actions relating to a horrific vehicle incident on October 23, 2023 on Interstate 55. While off duty, Sgt. Memminger witnessed several accidents between Ruddock and Manchac where there was heavy fog and smoke in the area. On the shoulder of the interstate, he stopped and exited his vehicle to assist several victims involved in crashes. With very little visibility, Sgt. Memminger made his way to one particular vehicle that had caught fire after a tanker truck carrying a hazardous liquid crashed into the vehicle. When he arrived, he found a woman in the vehicle with injuries. Det. Memminger worked quickly to rescue her from the burning vehicle. Emergency medical services transported the woman to a New Orleans hospital where she was treated and released.

EMS personnel reported that if not for Sgt. Memminger’s quick actions, the woman may have died in the burning vehicle.

Sgt. Memminger also received a life saving award for his efforts during this incident.

program that honors the Officer of the Year as well as pays tribute to outstanding officers. These officers are recognized for their dedication to public service, outstanding commitment to the community, excellent police work, and the commendable manner in which they perform their jobs. Sheriff Tregre works with several local businesses that provide sponsorships and contributions to award these outstanding officers.

Other special awards were presented to several officers.

Deputy Damian Dinet was honored with the Sheriff’s Star for exceptional police work, perseverance, dedication, professionalism, and service to the community and the SJSO.

Deputy Lionel Luchion, Sgt. Joshua Matherne and Cpl. Cody Taylor also received life saving awards. EMS personnel reported that if not for the quick response and effective medical treatment provided by Deputy Luchion, Sgt. Matherne and Cpl. Taylor, the victims would likely have died.

Unit Commendation was awarded to the Traffic Division, Process Server Division, Criminal Investigations’ Major Crime Unit and SWAT for outstanding response, actions, teamwork and professionalism in the past year.

The Excellence in Service Award was presented to officers, nominated by a commander, who have demonstrated in their day to day duties the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, work ethic, accountability, and commitment to the St. John Sheriff’s Office. Recipients are: Sgt. Steven Faucheux, Deputy Renata Morris, Det. Lt. Joshua Gilboy; Sgt. Antwan Johnson, and Deputy Tiffany Taylor.

Officers of the Quarter recognized were Deputy Orlando Nicholas, Cpl. Cody Taylor, Deputy Seth Jordan, and Det. Memminger.

The SJSO also acknowledged businesses for generous support of law enforcement. Businesses recognized for sponsoring officers of the quarters were Pelican Car Wash, Leo Furniture, Cypress Physical Therapy and Oh So Cute Boutique. Geaux Chevrolet was recognized as the sponsor of the Officer of the Year program.

Sheriff Tregre said he is proud of all officers in the department for their great performance and dedication to St. John Parish and the SJSO.

“I want to thank the men and women of the St. John Sheriff’s Office for a job well done, “Sheriff Tregre said. “Ours is a profession that few people want to do and even fewer can do. … You make a difference in our community and law enforcement as a whole. I am honored to lead this department.”