Funeral services are being held today for Lafayette Police Department's Sr. Cpl. Segus Jolivette, who was killed in the line of duty last Thursday.
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- Funeral services are being held today for Lafayette Police Department Sr. Cpl. Segus Jolivette, who was killed in the line of duty Thursday.
Funeral services begin at 1 p.m. The services will be officiated by pastors Eugene Reiszner and Kevin Lalonde of Our Savior's Church in Opelousas, according to Jolivette's obituary.
Jolivette is survived by his wife of 13 years, Alexis, and his five children, Ajah, Segus "SJ" Jr., Asher, Austyn and Grayson.
"He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and the rock upon which his family leaned," his obituary reads.
"His wife and children were his world and he took immense pride in being their protector and their foundation. His passion for his work was perhaps the only thing that came close to rivalling his profound love for his family. The ultimate balance of heart and duty," his obituary continues.
Born on a Saturday in early June 1989, Jolivette grew up, went to school and got his start in law enforcement -- all in Opelousas.
Jolivette graduated from Beau Chene High before starting his law enforcement career with the Opelousas Police Department in 2010. He served about four years at OPD as a patrol officer before joining the Lafayette Police Department, where he'd spend his next 11 years.
Jolivette is remembered by the Lafayette Police Department as an officer whose "commitment extended beyond daily duties," as he was a member of the honor guard, a member of the SWAT negotiator team, and spent much of his free time supporting the explorer program, helping local youth gain a better understanding of law enforcement operations.
The 35-year-old officer also previously served as a school resource officer at J.W. Faulk Elementary School. The Lafayette Parish School System said in a social media post on Friday that Jolivette never hesitated to provide security at extracurricular events at Ovey Comeaux High School, Northside High, and other schools throughout the parish.
"Our LPSS family is deeply saddened by the loss of a man dedicated to the safety of our schools and our community," the school system's post read.
Being a police officer is a dream he had ever since a young age, a dream that he pursued with "unwavering determination," according to Jolivette's obituary.
"His legacy will forever be remembered and honored through the lives he touched and the example he set for all who had the privilege of knowing him," Jolivette's obituary reads, and that his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who currently serve, and those he served and protected.
During a candlelight vigil Tuesday, Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet said Jolivette was a police officer who showed up every day with an infectious smile and was a person who "spread a smile, full of love."
Family members of Jolivette shared memories of the fallen officer during the vigil held outside the Lafayette Police Department, saying his determination and passion of being a police officer inspired his own children.
"He has pursued that diligently throughout his life to the point that his sons never wanted to be anything else for Halloween or for any school dress-up days. They all wanted to be police officers like him," one family member said.
One family member said that being a police officer was more than a job to him, saying Jolivette "never took off his uniform."
"To see the support of the community, you guys showing it back to him with the same energy that he gave to every one of you without even asking, it speaks volumes to him and I promise you, he is smiling down and gracious and thankful that his life meant something to everyone," the family member said.
