Baton Rouge, LA – A moving new Louisiana State Police tradition known as the “Hero’s Backpack” took center stage this week as Cadet Class #107 graduated, honoring fallen Trooper George Baker and others who made the ultimate sacrifice.
According to the Louisiana State Police, the tradition began in 2024 following the death of Lafayette Police Officer Segus Jolivette, who was killed in the line of duty just weeks before joining the State Police Academy. In his honor, cadets began carrying a shared backpack throughout training—filled with items belonging to fallen officers selected by each class.
For Cadet Class #107, the backpack honored Trooper George Baker, who was killed on duty on May 24, 2020. His family participated in the ceremony, presenting items including the uniform shirt Baker wore during his final shift.
Over 24 weeks of training, the backpack became a powerful reminder of the sacrifices behind the badge. “The weight carried by these cadets is far greater than what’s inside,” State Police wrote in their post, noting that the burden extends to families who bear the worry behind each call.
During the ceremony, 44 new cadets were officially welcomed into the Louisiana State Police family—symbolically joining the Bakers and other families of the fallen in shared remembrance.
The “Hero’s Backpack” now stands as a growing tribute, connecting each new generation of troopers to the legacy of those who came before them.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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