Burt's legacy

The legacy of a Jennings Police Department (JDP) officer who gave his life in the line of duty is being shared through a new scholarship.

The creation of the Burton J. LeBlanc Jennings High School Memorial Scholarship was announced this week.

JPD Communications Officer Shantell “Peaches” Guidry said it has been a personal goal of hers and many fellow officers to keep alive the memory of their late friend and brother in blue.

“Since the day I started my career, keeping his memory alive is what I’ve strived for,” she said. “Every year I do something to keep his memory alive. We’re definitely excited about the scholarship.”

Guidry said she contacted the parish school board regarding the idea and was directed to a Jennings High (JHS) counselor.

“The counselor was quite excited as well because this scholarship is not only available for use at a major college, but can be used for vocational schools,” said Guidry. “The recipient will be able to use the money for transportation expenses, books or whatever other costs may be incurred from school enrollment.”

"We knew the scholarship would be a great way to keep (Burt’s) memory alive. To give a scholarship to a student at the high school in the community where he patrolled makes it even sweeter.”
– Nadine LeBlanc

The scholarship will only be available to graduating JHS seniors. LeBlanc’s family will choose the recipient.

His mother and father, Nadine and Stutes LeBlanc, said they were speechless yet thrilled when Guidry pitched the idea.

“We knew the scholarship would be a great way to keep his memory alive,” said Nadine. “To give a scholarship to a student at the high school in the community where he patrolled makes it even sweeter.”

Guidry said several requirements must be met by those who would like to apply for the scholarship.

The JHS senior must have and maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and intend to pursue a career related to criminal justice.

“We are looking for someone who is interested in something to do with public safety,” said Guidry. “It’s not just a job. It is a long-term career. You never know what you’re going to get into and every day is different.”

LeBlanc’s parents said that he loved his job but he loved his community more.

The police officer was shot and killed Feb. 5, 2000, while responding to what was initially believed to be a medical emergency at the home of a husband and wife, former JPD officer Kenny Guidry and former dispatcher Christine Guidry. Phil Karam, another former officer, was later convicted in their deaths.

“Feb. 5, 2000, is the day our lives were changed forever. We lost our son, a father, a brother and a friend. That date is forever etched in our minds and in our hearts,” said his mother. “We look forward to reading the essays, choosing and meeting the first recipient of this scholarship.”

Applicants must demonstrate characteristics such as being caring, kindhearted, family-oriented and communityminded.

Guidry said scholarship applications could be obtained at JHS. An essay must accompany the completed form.

“Students are required to write an essay on why they should be chosen for the monetary award and what law enforcement means to them,” said Guidry.

The deadline to return the application and essay to JHS is Monday, April 1.

Guidry said the recipient could utilize the scholarship at whatever college or university they attend.

Donations from the public are being accepted to help fund the scholarship.

“Anyone who would like to donate is welcome, no matter what amount, big or small,” said Guidry. “All monies will go to the student picked by LeBlanc’s family.”

Guidry can be contacted on Facebook Messenger or at (337) 329-5365. An account has been set up at Home Bank, and the account number is 10006369.