Brusly Officer Saves Woman from Bridge Suicide Attempt

Corporal Corey Miller receives department's highest honor for life-saving intervention

BRUSLY — Corporal Corey Miller's quick thinking and decisive action prevented a young woman from jumping off the Mississippi River Bridge in September, earning him the Brusly Police Department's Lifesaver Award—only the second time the department's highest honor has been presented.

Chief Jonathan Lefeaux presented the award during the October 13th Town Council meeting, detailing the harrowing events of September 15-16 when Miller responded to a call about a pedestrian on the bridge who appeared to be attempting suicide.

"Upon his arrival on the bridge, there was a young female in her early 20s that was standing against the rail that appeared to be considering jumping," Lefeaux told the council. "When Corporal Miller made contact, she gave him a thousand-yard stare, looked back over the side, and in his quick and decisive action, he grabbed her arm, pulled her back off the rail, and was able to save her life."

The woman later confirmed to sheriff's deputies that she had fully intended to jump from the bridge and end her life. Miller's immediate intervention prevented the tragedy.

"It is my great honor that we give out what I believe is our highest award, and he's only the second person to receive it, which is the Brusly PD Lifesaver Award for his actions that night," Lefeaux said during the presentation.

Council Addresses Infrastructure Progress and Technology Upgrades

Beyond the recognition ceremony, the Brusly Town Council held productive meetings on October 6th and 13th, addressing ongoing infrastructure projects and demonstrating new technology implementations that are modernizing town operations.

Lagoon Project Advances Despite Weather

The long-delayed sewer lagoon project continues to progress, Mayor Scot Rhodes reported at the October 6th meeting. Contractors have excavated the large hole for the polishing reactor and are awaiting soil compaction test results to determine foundation requirements.

"The equipment's back there. Things are moving along, and we're watching them on a daily basis, trying to push it along so we can get them out of our hair," Rhodes said.

The polishing reactor represents the final major component needed to complete the multi-million dollar sewer system upgrade. Despite minor cave-ins from recent rain, the mayor indicated weather hasn't significantly delayed progress.

Digital Work Order System Shows Results

Rhodes demonstrated tangible results from the town's $7,100 annual investment in a new iWorks digital work order management system, showing council members comprehensive reports tracking completion dates, priorities, and locations.

"If someone calls about a washout, Shane can put it on here and it'll be there forever. So we can always go back and look at it," Rhodes explained, noting that Public Works Director Shane Sarradet can now access any work order immediately.

The system tracks various municipal functions including elevated water complaints, street repairs, and drainage issues, capturing detailed information with timestamps. The business license component is also functioning well, with the town printing its first digital license through the new system.

Police Department Reports Active September

Chief Lefeaux provided comprehensive activity statistics showing 121 dispatched events in September:

Major Responses:

• 23 agency assists
• 14 medical calls
• 13 alarm calls
• 8 traffic accidents
• 6 disturbances
• 2 family disturbances
• 1 fire (all residents escaped safely except one pet)
• 1 search and rescue operation

Officers issued 205 citations with 253 total violations during the month.

Technology Investments Pay Off

Beyond Miller's life-saving intervention, the department's technology investments showed their value in September. The Flock camera system helped locate a missing child, and the department conducted its first official drone deployment, successfully locating a suspect in Addis.

"We've kind of become all the drone activity in the parish," Lefeaux said, noting the department spent three hours assisting Port Allen's search for a wanted felon—also successful. "I thank you all for all the wonderful tools that you provide us with that the other municipalities just don't have."

Financial Matters Clarified

The council reviewed September bills with several items requiring explanation:

• Conference Lodging: Multiple hotel charges under Council Member Blaine Rabalais's name were clarified as shared rooms from the Louisiana Municipal Association conference
• E-Citation Charges: The town had fallen behind on payments during a clerk vacancy, resulting in catch-up billing
• Crime Cameras: New cameras at River Road and LA-1, possibly funded through a state grant, offer 360-degree coverage with significantly improved quality

Bike Rental Program Ends

Mayor Rhodes confirmed the town discontinued its bike rental program due to lack of use and high maintenance costs.

"We weren't getting any rentals and upkeep on the bikes was through the roof," Rhodes explained. Many initial users decided to purchase their own bikes instead. While Blue Cross Blue Shield expressed sponsorship interest, maintenance requirements remain prohibitive.

Collaborative Drainage Planning

Council Member Chris Kershaw emphasized coordinating the town's Coulee Canal drainage study with the parish's Professional Engineering Consultants Corporation analysis to ensure complementary solutions.

"It just may be advantageous... maybe just kind of share with you what we're looking at, some of our hot spots," Kershaw suggested to Parish President Jason Manola, who welcomed the collaboration during his October 13th presentation about the drainage tax renewal.

Community Events and Recognition

Upcoming Events:

• October 20: Landmark and Heritage meeting, 6:30 p.m.
• October 25: Household Hazardous Materials Collection Day, 8 a.m.-noon at Alexander Park
• October 31: Trick-or-Treat hours, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• November 11: Veterans Day program with breakfast, 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall

Special Recognition:

Louisiana Sugar Queen Olivia Daigle, daughter of Council Member Rusty Daigle, will visit the town in November and may participate in the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. The town also celebrated a successful homecoming parade on October 5th despite rain.

Other Business

Infrastructure: Public works completed repairs on street sections identified through the new work order system. Parish installation of larger culverts has improved drainage in problem areas.

Grants: The town is pursuing state and federal grants for street resurfacing and drainage improvements.

Budget: Initial 2026 fiscal year budget discussions began, with department heads preparing preliminary requests.