Despite the pouring rain, the Youngsville community gather Wednesday, August 4, 2026, for a special dedication ceremony honoring the legacy of longtime Police Chief Earl Menard.
The Youngsville Police Department officially renamed its patrol building the Chief Earl P. Menard Patrol Building in recognition of Chief Menard’s 28 years of dedicated service to the City of Youngsville and the lasting impact he made on the department and the community.
As part of the dedication, a monument honoring Chief Menard was placed near the entrance of the patrol building in front of the flagpole, serving as a lasting reminder of his commitment, leadership, and service to the citizens of Youngsville.
Chief JP Broussard welcomed those in attendance and opened the dedication ceremony, sharing the importance of honoring a leader who helped shape the Youngsville Police Department. He also share about the mentorship he received from Chief Menard.
Mayor Ken Ritter spoke about the significance of the patrol station and shared a special memory of Chief Menard. He recalled a time when they both were campaigning in the same neighborhood and Chief Menard encouraged him with the words “walk with us”, as they went door-to-door together. A simple moment that reflected Chief Menard’s leadership, kindness, and the type of man he was it.
Chief Broussard also recognized Councilman Matt Romero for brining forward the idea to dedicate the building in Chief Menard’s honor.
The department also recognized Ndree Pellerin of Heroic Designs for donating the monument that was placed at the patrol building in Chief Menard’s honor.
Youngsville Police Chaplin Josh LeBlanc offered a prayer to bless the building. Acknowledging the heavy rain during the ceremony, Chaplain LeBlanc shared that the Lord had provided “holy water” for celebraing Chief Menard’s legacy.
Chief Menard’s daugher, Dawn Menard Durke, thanked the City of Youngsville, City of Youngsville, the community, and everyone involved for thier continued support, love, and for honoring her father’s memory in such a meaningful way. Also, in attendance were Chief Menard’s wife, and daughter, Kayla Menard Reaux.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Youngsville City Council, Lindy Bolgiano, Simone Champagne, Nick Niland, and Parish Council Ken Stansbury, who joined community members, law enforcement, family, and friends in honoring Chief Menard’s legacy.
The dedication serves as a reminder of Chief Menard’s commitment to the citizens of Youngsville and the impact of a life of dedicated to public service. His legacy will continue through the officer, one being his grandson, Clay Durke, who serve in the building that now produly carries his name.
