Rayne Police Memorial unveiled, dedicated

In memory of three fallen officers, a marble memorial was unveiled during solemn ceremonies Monday in front of the Rayne Police Station.
Family members of the three fallen officers — dating back to 1894 — were on hand to participate in the ceremonies, which had been delayed a week due to the threat of inclement weather during Police Memorial Week.
“There is no greater calling than when a man or woman lays down his or her life in the service of others,” said Cheryl Boudreaux, mistress of ceremonies, in setting the theme for the afternoon event.
Following the Posting of Colors by the Lafayette Police Department Honor Guard and a moving rendition of the National Anthem by Suzette Leonards, Police Chief Carroll J. Stelly welcomed the many in attendance.
Stelly noted that the establishment of the monument was set in motion two years ago when the department partnered with members of the Gamma Kappa Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.
“They took the lead in raising funds for this monument,” Stelly said, adding thanks to the donors who helped to make it possible, including Gamma Kappa, Broussard & Romero, Inc. (the Kaplan firm that made the monument), Rotary Club of Rayne, Virginia G. Stutes Foreman, Preceptor Alpha Iota, Preceptor Alpha Chi, American Legion Post 77, Woodmen of the World and Lisa and Darrell Soileaux.
Stelly went on to welcome descendants of the late officers, adding, “I, along with every member of our department, feel your pain.”
Laura Cardosi, great-great-granddaughter of Marshal Lyons, was first to address the gathering.
She told how, on Dec. 31, 1894, Marshal Lyons was shot by Sylvester Abshire during a disturbance at a New Year’s Eve party in northeast Rayne.
Lyons died on his 41st birthday and had served as Rayne Marshal for three years.
Charlotte Ousse Tanner, granddaughter of Officer Donnie Ousse Sr., told how the night officer was attempting to arrest escaped Angola Convict John Guillory on Aug. 3, 1936, when Guillory pulled a knife and cut the officer across the chest.
Ousse shot and killed the escapee buy ultimately died from his wounds on Sept. 14, 1936, at the age of 56. He had been a police officer for one year.
Crystal Moody, great-granddaughter of Officer Guidry, told how the night officer was attempting to arrest Viola Rhodes for the theft of $37 on Aug. 8, 1943, when, with the help of her mother, Josephine Washington, Rhodes shot and killed Guidry.
Guidry was 59 years old and had been an officer for 10 years.
Each descendant place a single rose at the base of the memorial on which their ancestor is engraved.
A 21-Gun-Salute and Taps preceded the singing of “Amazing Grace” by members of the Rayne Catholic Elementary School Choir to end the afternoon program.
The invocation and blessing of the memorial were by Father Richard Wagner, pastor of of Our Mother of Mercy Shrine. Chaplain Lt. Ryan Charles gave the invocation.
Following the presentation, refreshments were sponsored by Shop Rite.