Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Girl who held "Thank You, Mr. Policeman" sign at Baton Rouge officer's funeral follows in his footsteps

By Analisa Novak, David Begnaud
January 29, 2024 / 1:37 PM EST / CBS News

Vicki Melancon, mother of Baton Rouge Police Detective Terry Melancon Jr., lost her son in 2005 when he was fatally shot in the line of duty at the age of 32. Melancon Jr. left behind a community grateful for his sacrifice, many of whom attended a funeral procession for him.

Among the mourners was 5-year-old Madalynn Jarreau, who stood along the procession holding a sign that read: "Thank you, Mr. Policeman."

Vicki Melancon said when she saw Jarreau, she remembered feeling a sense of how much the community appreciated her son's sacrifice.

A year later, Melancon met Jarreau, marking the beginning of a remarkable relationship. As Jarreau grew up, Melancon became a constant presence in her life, attending her high school and college graduations, engagement and wedding.

"She's always been there," said Jarreau. "I don't question it. It's just Terry and God knew that we needed each other in our lives. And it's just, we are."

It wasn't long before Jarreau chose to walk in Terry's footsteps, dedicating her life to law enforcement and becoming one of the newest police academy graduates at the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office.

"I feel like my purpose is to carry on what he left behind," said Jarreau.

Her graduation cap bore a significant message — "What's your purpose?" — a question often asked by Melancon Jr. The graduation just happened to fall on his birthday.

"Terry died and that wasn't the end," Vicki Melancon said. "There was something way bigger and we have Madalynn here that is carrying that forward. And I know that that is a God thing."

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

January 30, 2024

Much Respect. Rest in peace.

Sgt. Owen Keith Anderson (Retired)
Baton Rouge City Police

March 28, 2023

Rest in peace Detective Melancon.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 29, 2022

Never forgotten and neither is your fiance, Lynn. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Kristen Sweaza
Daughter of retired ILOD LAPD Motor Officer
Wife of Police Captain Rob Sweaza Fountain Valley PD, CA (RET)
Founder of Blue_Wives_Matter

August 10, 2021

Rest in peace

Nick mottola
None

August 10, 2020

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 10, 2020

Dear, T,

I miss you. Something happened recently that really made me think of you. I drove to BRPD to look at the wall with your name on it & I snapped a picture. I kept thinking of that video y’all made at Maw Maw’s house, when you said you were the host of today’s program & your name was Marty Terry. You were acting like the host of those animal planet shows, where they introduce and describe each animal for the viewers. You brought Kaylen on the video, and you were saying, “I’d like you at home to notice the hair under Kaylen’s arms...”. I forgot the rest, but I couldn’t stop laughing because I remembered when we filmed it! Terry, you were one of a kind. We love and miss you, and can’t wait to see you again. I’d like you to know that because of that trip to BRPD recently, I’ve decided to put on the blue uniform and follow in yall’s footsteps. I’ll try to do it justice and I’ll wear it with honor. Love you.

Melaynie Melancon Williams
Cousin

July 27, 2020

Dear, T,

I miss you. Something happened recently that really made me think of you. I drove to BRPD to look at the wall with your name on it & I snapped a picture. I kept thinking of that video y’all made at Maw Maw’s house, when you said you were the host of today’s program & your name was Marty Terry. You were acting like the host of those animal planet shows, where they introduce and describe each animal for the viewers. You brought Kaylen on the video, and you were saying, “I’d like you at home to notice the hair under Kaylen’s arms...”. I forgot the rest, but I couldn’t stop laughing because I remembered when we filmed it! Terry, you were one of a kind. We love and miss you, and can’t wait to see you again. I’d like you to know that because of that trip to BRPD recently, I’ve decided to put on the blue uniform and follow in yall’s footsteps. I’ll try to do it justice. Love you.

Melaynie Melancon Williams
Cousin

July 27, 2020

You will never be forgotten Detective Melancon jr.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police - Troop D

April 29, 2020

I didn't know you. I actually just learned of your loss today from your beloved fiance, Lynn. We are remembering your EOW and supporting Lynn today, 14 years later, in a support group she is in for the spouses and fiancee's of our Fallen Officer's. You would be so proud of her. I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for your service. I am so sorry for the loss that has struck your family, both blood and blue. I'm sorry for the loss of your community of a fine Detective and Officer as well as your PD but mostly to that of your family and the family you should have been able to have with Lynn.

My husband has 30 years on just about and will be retiring soon. For the thanks that I got to have my husband for the last 25 years and that so many Police Wives, Husbands and Police Fiancee's do not get that time, I have started a nonprofit called Blue_Wives_Matter to offer support to those that have lost their LEOs, regardless of COD. So not all of our losses are on this wall but the hurt is just the same so we all grieve together. Thank you again for your service and sacrifice Detective Terry Melancon, you will never be forgotten.

Kristen Sweaza
Daughter of retired ILOD LAPD Motor Officer
Wife of Police Captain Robert Sweaza FVPD, CA
Founder of Blue_Wives_Matter

August 10, 2019

Miss you brother!!! 65th BTA!!
“UNA STAMUS”!

Cpl Isreal Chatman
Baton Rouge police department.

August 4, 2018

Remembering you man!!!! You will never be forgotten!!!!

Casey Humble
Friend

November 14, 2016

Been 11 years now an missing you.. I have a picture of you holding me as a baby before you passed you'll never be forgotten.

Andrew
Nephew

August 11, 2016

Prayers for your family today.

Loree
Crestview Police Department

August 10, 2016

I still think about you my friend.

Walt

August 30, 2015

It's been almost 10 years now. I still think of you and talk about you whenever someone mentions a search warrant. Watch over us brother, you are not forgotten.

Patrolman
Friend

March 4, 2015

Time has passed but you are not forgotten. I still remember where I was, the call on the radio and the rest of that day. Rest in eternal peace and thank you for your service.

Lt. Stephen Jackson Retired
Baton Rouge PD

January 9, 2015

Prayers for you're family, fiancé & friends. May you R.I.P. & Never be forgotten. God Bless & thank you.

Citizen Tracy Corley
Louisiana

August 10, 2014

How could anyone but another mother of a policeman know this pain. Please watch over my son Terry, and help keep him safe. I know you are watching from heaven.

Jean Cary
Mother of fellow officer

August 10, 2014

Hey buddy, You are in my prayers and will always be remembered. You will always be my brother. I love you and God Bless!

Tim Moise
friend

August 10, 2014

Thank you Terry for your service. You gave your life saving the public here in BR from Drug dealers and criminals. I wish we could have hung out more. I miss you

Your Godson,
Ryan

Ryan, Godson

February 18, 2014

We talked about you today at roll call and asked that everyone take a moment to remember you and say a prayer.

Anonymous
BRPD

August 10, 2013

Gone but still not forgotten. I always will remember the great times we had, working on the same shift and hanging out as the friends we were. I know you are in a better place smiling down at us. we will meet again, my friend. Unitl that time, I will always remember the great friend and officer you were.

Trooper Matt Cosper
Texas Highway Patrol

August 2, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 8th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion and respect for you through their reflections.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

February 4, 2013

thank you officer melancon for your service in the city of Baton Rouge. you are truly missed

PFC Marcell
Louisiana Army National Gurad

December 26, 2012