Mangham marks fallen police officer’s birthday

The family of Mangham Police Officer Marshall Lee Waters Jr. met  April 10 at  entrance of the Mangham Town Hall with town officials to receive posthumous awards for his service and to celebrate the life of their beloved son, brother, uncle, father and grandfather who would have celebrated his 50th birthday this April 13.

 Officer Waters was wounded in the line of duty Oct. 17, 2020 while pulling over a suspect who had earlier that day robbed the Yancey Pharmacy in Rayville and was driving a stolen car near the Franklin and Richland Parish border on Hwy 425 just outside Mangham.  

 The suspect fired a shot at Officer Waters that struck him just below his bulletproof vest.  Officer Waters was airlifted to the Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria where he underwent several surgeries for the wound he received from the bullet that damaged his femoral artery. 

After a brave three-week fight, sadly Officer Waters died from his injuries Nov. 5, 2020.

Steve Ray and Fred Hamilton of the James Huey Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution of West Monroe presented the SAR Law Enforcement Commendation Medal for Officer Waters dedication to duty and patriotic selfless service to his community and country to his family with his mother Mrs. Irene Yearby accepting the award.  

On behalf of the 318 Outlaws Riding Club, Chief Perry Fleming presented a plaque for Officer Waters dedication of service to his family with his mother Mrs. Irene Yearby again accepting the award.

Officer Tracy Carter spoke  about his work with Officer Waters over the years and how he enjoyed working with someone who was always trying to help the people of Mangham. He also spoke about Waters’ dual service as an EMT with the Northeast Louisiana Ambulance Service who were also present during the presentations.

Chief Fleming informed the attendees that the town had been working with State Rep. Francis Thompson and LDOTD to receive permission to place a monument to honor Officer Waters service that will be located on the right of way by the town’s flag display.

At the close of the ceremony, Felicia Water, Lavenia Johnson and Collette Yearby lead the attendees in a balloon release in honor and memory of their brother and to also celebrate what would have been his 50th birthday.

The family wishes a special thanks to the Town Clerks Kristy Fleming and Portia Clay for all their help with the balloons.