First Female African American State Police Captain Appointed by Governor in Louisiana

(Wikipedia | State of Louisiana)

Louisiana is making history as Governor John Bel Edwards appointed the state’s first female African American captain to lead the state police. The woman making history is Captain Treone Larvadain, appointed as the head of the Protective Services division, which provides security for the governor, lieutenant governor, and visiting dignitaries.

As Governor Edwards wrote in a tweet, “I am happy to announce Captain Treone Larvadain has been promoted to lead the @LAStatePolice Protective Services division, becoming the first African-American female captain in State Police history.”

In addition to receiving the high-level appointment, Larvadain had the pride and pleasure of seeing her daughter Tiah Larvadain join the Louisiana State Troopers in 2018. They became the first mother-daughter team in state police history.

Treone Larvadain had been working under Captain Clay Chutz, who led the state’s version of the Secret Service for 30 years, serving under six different governors. “The longevity of Captain Chutz’s career and the promotion of Captain Larvadain are a direct reflection of their dedication and commitment to the force and our great state,” Governor Edwards stated in a press release.

As for Tiah, seeing her mom’s distinguished career in the police, which began in 2006, has been a great source of inspiration. “Seeing the impact my mom had on the community and how they responded to her in such a positive way, I knew it was something I wanted to do,” the trooper told the Louisiana First Foundation.

Larvadain was immensely proud of her daughter making it through the difficult selection process for the state trooper academy. “I am proud. I’m very humbled,“ she told WAFB. ”I’m very thankful that I had my only child choose to follow in my footsteps. That lets me know I have done my job as a parent.”

Both women were congratulated by the governor with a special certification of recognition for their historic achievement.

Having seen her mom in the public eye, Tiah knew how important her role as one of just eight female African American state troopers would be. “Being a black female state trooper comes with much responsibility and authority,” Tiah explained to Louisiana First Foundation. “[H]ow we use that authority will determine the success of not only me, but those I serve and the success or failure of our mission to public safety.”

Before working in the Protective Services division from 2008 to 2011, Captain Larvadain also served as a state trooper. She later spent time at the Bureau of Investigations and worked at the state’s police training academy.

That was when her daughter got to see what the job entailed and how her mom helped ordinary people. Tiah said, “The reason I joined was because of my passion to serve people. I’ve always wanted to give back, serve the public, impact lives and change behaviors.”

Seeing all the women who graduated in the 98th Cadet Class along with her daughter gave her hope for the future of the force. “We need them!” she told the Louisiana First Foundation.

Tiah adds, “As a kid, I probably tried my mom’s uniform on many times, but now when I put on my uniform, [...] I put in the hard work to earn it. It’s a feeling of pride.” For now, though, it’s Larvadain’s time in the spotlight.