Jindal leads 'Day of Prayer' across Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Gov. Bobby Jindal called for a rally on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol, marking a statewide "Day of Prayer." It was all in honor of the men and women of law enforcement.

Louisiana State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson told the people gathered that it has been a deadly year for law enforcement agents across the country and here in Louisiana.

"Look around," he said. "If the day tells us anything, we got the gift of life this morning. If it tells us anything else God, God is still in control!"

A total of 83 officers nationwide have been killed in the line of duty, with nine of those in Louisiana, making the state No. 2 when it comes to the number of officers killed on duty.

Jackie LaValley lost her son Thomas, a Shreveport police officer this year. Officer LaValley was shot and killed responding to a domestic disturbance call.

"I can just imagine in my mind what he went through that night and that's just horrific," she said. "There may be some bad apples but most of the time cops want to help, and they're doing their best to help you and just to be shot because they're wearing the uniform? That's just makes no sense to me and that looks like what it's coming to."

Texas is ranked No. 1, with 10 officers killed. It's an unfortunate trend that is increasing in recent months.

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