DUSON, La. (KLFY)- The Duson Police Department was awarded the Louisiana's Leadership in Law Enforcement Award for their outstanding service to the community, as well as $40,000 for their outstanding efforts in reducing crime.

The award and grant were given to the Duson Police Department by the Community Foundation of Acadiana and the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation. Out of 300 agencies in the state of Louisiana, Duson Police were the only department selected for the prestigious award.

The $40,000 will go towards upgrading the department's technology and crime cameras, as well as expanding community outreach programs.

Duson Chief of Police, Kip Judice, said the award means a lot to his officers, as it is a reflection of their dedication to serving and protecting the community.

"I think this is the first time that they've awarded this," said Judice. "This is a new program that's starting, its intention from the foundations is to promote good police work that has occurred in the recent past and to help build those kinds of things."

Some of the issues Duson Police were graded on that helped them receive the award include reduced crime, community style policing, alternative juvenile offender programs, and overall excellence in law enforcement.

"The work that we've done with juvenile crime, with reducing violent crime in the town of Duson over the course of the last three to four years in the area of about 80 percent, that's a huge accomplishment," said Judice.

Judice said while police aren't always looked at in a positive light because of their work, he is grateful the community will be able to see what they are doing for them day in and day out.

"It's always good to be told you're doing the right thing," Judice said. "I know that they're doing very good work, but when it comes from the outside looking in, its rewarding, and we don't always hear the positives," said Judice.

A special ceremony honoring the Duson Police Department for these achievements will be held in August.

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