A Proper Tribute

By Mia Freneaux
    Central resident and 32 year East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Lieutenant Roger Corcoran and his wife Windy opened their home this past week to a couple of Texans here in Baton Rouge for a very special purpose. George and Tristine Slayton live in Midlothian, Texas, and have a family-run business called Vintage Carriage.  They provide horse drawn hearses at no cost for fallen military and law enforcement officers all around the country.  They pay all their own expenses and consider it an honor to do this for the families of the fallen.  This past weekend, they provided the last ride for Dept. Brad Garafola, killed in the line of duty on July 17.
    Corcoran contacted Peter John and Pam Bailey, who have a barn where they board horses right off of Hooper Road.  The Baileys agreed to board the two Percherons, Andy and Kelly, who pull the hearse.  "We were only too happy to help in any way we could for our fallen officer," shared Pam.  "Our own Central Police Department Chief James Salsbury and Officer Chad Dupuy gave them an escort to Istrouma Baptist Church. The Slaytons love coming to Louisiana, they told me that the law enforcement here is the best by far – extremely dedicated, polite, helpful, considerate, and going above and beyond to meet their needs."
    One of the most moving photos coming out of the tragic events of July 17 is that of Sheriff Sid Gautreaux kneeling with his hand on the back of the hearse.