Construction begins on Fallen Hero Memorial

Courtesy Photo

A conceptual drawing of the Fallen Hero Memorial, which will be placed in front of the new law enforcement complex.

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office will begin construction on a Fallen Hero Memorial that will be placed in front of the new law enforcement complex. But time is running out for those who want to purchase memorial bricks to surround the area.

The idea for a memorial was talked about several years ago, and at one time was going to be placed in front of the courthouse, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman Capt. Pat Yoes. However, the construction of a new law enforcement complex on Sugarland Parkway offered a unique opportunity to place the memorial where it rightfully belongs.

“We have a space behind the law enforcement complex sign that is actually perfect for the memorial,”  Yoes said. “When it’s completed, anyone looking out of the complex will be able to see the memorial.”

The memorial will honor the three parish law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, including Sheriff Lewis Ory, Deputy James Alan Arterbury, and Deputy Nelson Coleman.

Ory, who served as sheriff for 23 years, was killed in 1903 while attempting to arrest a fugitive from Jefferson Parish. Arterbury, 24, was killed in 1973 when several people in a bar room jumped him. He was then shot in the back with his own gun only three years after his law enforcement career began.

Coleman, 70, died of a heart attack in 1982 while he attempted to subdue a suspect wanted on a felony warrant.

A bronze plate, along with a picture, will honor each man. Information on their careers, along with their untimely deaths, will be listed.

The cost of the monument is $36,402, but doesn’t include the brick walkway that will lead up to, and surround the monument.

“We have sold close to 100 engraved bricks, but nowhere near the 400 to 500 needed to complete the walkway,” Yoes said. “Anyone from the community can purchase bricks so that they can be honored along with our heroes.”

There are several different choices when it comes to the bricks, ranging from $100 to $1,000. Each brick includes text, and some can be purchased with logos.

The deadline for brick orders is Nov. 1. Yoes said the monument should be completed by the end of the year.

For more information, contact George Breedy at (504)201-7012 or (504)840-1178. Yoes can also be reached for info at (985)783-1355.