Judith Estorge steps down as Lafayette Police Chief, will remain on the force: sources
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — After just 19 months on the job, Judith Estorge, the first female Chief of the Lafayette Police Department, has stepped down from that post, according to multiple sources within the department.
The department’s command staff was notified in a meeting this morning that Estorge stepped down Wednesday and will remain in the department with the rank of captain, sources confirmed.
Estorge was appointed chief in 2022. She had worked her way up the ranks of the Lafayette Police Department since 1993, serving as a patrol officer, a traffic motor officer, a detective in the Criminal Investigative Division, a Precinct 3 sergeant and watch commander.
Capt. Paul Trouard has been named interim chief, sources said. Trouard was a finalist for the position when Thomas Glover was named chief in 2020. According to his LinkedIn profile, Trouard has been with LPD for over 27 years.
In a news release issued Thursday afternoon, Lafayette Consolidated Government said Estorge will be stepping down from her position as Chief of Police for personal reasons effective May 28.
While she will no longer serve as Chief, Judith Estorge will continue to be a vital part of the Lafayette Police Department, Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet said.
“Chief Estorge’s leadership has made a lasting impact, providing stability in the department. We are grateful for her dedication as she will continue to serve within LPD,” Boulet said.
In a previous sit down with Boulet, she said there are concerns about public safety as mayor and her administration worked with Estorage to address that.
“We are talking to the leadership to try to understand, you know, is this a trend or not, and how do we do this? It is concerning to me as mayor. I will say that,” Boulet said.
In a statement, released a statement on Estorge stepping down she saying “Chief Estorage’s leadership has made a listing impact, providing stability in the department. We are grateful for her dedication as she will continue to serve within LPD.”
Over the past five years, LPD has seen three police chiefs and three interim police chiefs:
Chief Troy Aguillard: Nov. 2016- Jan. 2020
Interim Chief Lt. Scott Morgan: Jan. 2020- Dec. 2021
Chief Thomas Glover: Jan. 2021- Oct. 2021
Interim Chief Sgt. Wayne Griffin: Oct. 2021- Oct. 2021
Interim Chief Maj. Monte Potier: Oct. 2021- Oct. 2022
Chief Judith Estorge: Oct. 2022- May 2024
According to the release, the interim chief of police will be named on May 28.
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