Efforts continue for first-responder memorial

Efforts to recognize and honor first responders killed in the line of duty continue to move forward and will be included in future beautification projects at the courthouse in Franklin, Parish President Paul Naquin said Tuesday.
Naquin spoke about some of the parish’s plans for a $600,000 project at an informal meeting at the St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce office. The meeting had been requested by Korean War veteran E.C. “Gene” Bosworth, who has asked for a place to put a monument to first responders.
Bosworth, a member of the St. Mary Detachment Marine Corps League, said the idea to build a first responders monument originated with Baldwin Chief of Police Gerald Minor. The concept was discussed during a conversation regarding the league’s annual policeman of the year recognition, Bosworth said.
“These men are the first on a scene and often put their own lives in harm’s way,” Bosworth said.
For months Bosworth has been trying to locate a non-profit organization to funnel and administer contributions for a monument. M C Bank has agreed to provide an account once a fund is established.
Former state Sen. Butch Gautreaux agreed to assume the reins of spearheading the project as Bosworth said he would be out of commission for a few months after a scheduled surgery.
Naquin agreed to include some sort of recognition of first responders at the courthouse as part of its improvement project that should begin within about two years. Recognition will also be given in some way in the project to parish servicemen who lost their lives, Naquin said.
Another planned item will be something that will pay tribute to at least four Louisiana governors from St. Mary Parish, Naquin said.
The details on how that will be done are not yet formulated, Henry “Bo” LaGrange, parish chief administrative officer, said. He said research is still ongoing to locate and identify other governors with a parish connection.
The four identified governors are Joshua Baker (1860); Murphy J. Foster (1892–1900); Jared Y. Sanders Sr., (1908- 1912); and Foster’s grandson, Murphy James “Mike” Foster Jr. (1996-2004).
The monuments, hedges, lampposts and walkways will be designed and situated in such a way as to soften the view of the courthouse which was built in the 1950s, he said.
The Confederate monument will not be moved, Naquin said.
When the renovations are completed offices such the Council on Aging and LSUAgCenter office, are to be moved to the Blevins building, Naquin said. Parish government agencies will occupy the fifth floor with the district attorney offices located on the third floor, he said.