In memory of Deputy Jeff Watson who died in the line of duty, Rue La Cannes Drive in Luling will be renamed Deputy Jeff Watson Street.
The St. Charles Parish Council unanimously approved the change at Monday’s council meeting.
Watson died Aug. 4, 2013 when his patrol unit collided with another vehicle whose driver pulled into his path. Watson, 41, was responding to an emergency call for assistance from another officer in Killona at the time of his death.
Parish President Larry Cochran said discussions about renaming the street in Watson’s memory started months ago when he saw Watson’s family at the Fallen Hero Memorial in Luling.
Sheriff Greg Champagne added, “It is fitting that his service be memorialized by the renaming of the small street adjacent to our Training Center. His widow and parents are extremely grateful for this memorial effort.”
“We want to do it right and really show respect for the young man,” Cochran said. “This 41-year-old man gave his life in the protection of St. Charles Parish. This has resonated hard on our Sheriff’s Office. It’s important to recognize their people when you see someone fall like this, and we need to do everything we can to never forget this young man. And this is just one way of remembering him.”
[pullquote]“His family paid the ultimate sacrifice.” — Parish President Larry Cochran[/pullquote]The parish president also emphasized Watson was survived by his wife and stepdaughter.
“His family paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Cochran said.
Watson was the fourth St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy to die in the line of duty, and the first since 1982.
A Destrehan resident, he had been a deputy for seven years, and previously served as a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputy.
Hundreds, including police officers from around the region, attended a memorial service on Aug. 8.
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