Family members, friends, fellow first responders, and healthcare workers gathered Monday at Minden Medical Center for an Honor Walk ceremony recognizing the life, service, and final gift of a longtime public servant, former Shreveport fire chief, and Acadian Ambulance Service professional.
Held under clear skies and a steady wind, the ceremony featured the Organ Donor flag flying prominently above attendees. The flag carried additional significance, having been signed by many of the honoree’s colleagues with Acadian Ambulance Service.
A large contingent of uniformed personnel from across the region attended the tribute, including members of the Minden Fire Department, Minden Police Department, City Marshal’s Office, Acadian Ambulance Service, the Shreveport Fire Department, and numerous retired firefighters who served alongside him during his career.
The program opened with prayer from Trey Waller, MMC chaplain and pastor of Living Word Church. Following the prayer, the Honor Guard raised the Organ Donor flag in a solemn presentation.
A poem was then read by Kristy Lockwood, donation services coordinator with LOPA, who had worked closely with the honoree during the donation process. The ceremony concluded with a final radio “last call,” a traditional tribute in emergency services used to honor those who have completed their final watch.
After the ceremony, Minden Medical Center staff escorted the honoree from the intensive care unit to the operating room as surgical teams prepared for organ donation. Hospital hallways were lined with family, friends, healthcare workers, and first responders standing in silent tribute during the final procession.
“It was a privilege to support the family throughout this process, ensuring their needs were met with dignity and compassion. In collaboration with the caring LOPA team, we were able to help facilitate a meaningful and respectful Honor Walk,” said Patricia Bailey, chief nursing officer.
Throughout the procession, those gathered quietly shared stories and reflections about the honoree, repeatedly describing him as a man devoted to service, positivity, and helping others.
“What a beautiful tribute to a man who gave so much of himself in service, and whose impact is reflected in the many uniformed personnel who stand here remembering him,” said Keith Cox, CEO.
Hospital officials said the Honor Walk served as a tribute not only to the honoree’s decades of public safety leadership, but also to his final act of generosity through organ donation.
Minden Medical Center, based in Minden, serves northwest Louisiana and surrounding areas with emergency care, surgery, imaging, women’s health, rehabilitation, and other medical services. Hospital leadership said the facility remains committed to patient-centered care, community outreach, and expanding services to meet the needs of the region.
