LaFayette Police Officer Eric Laney Awarded Meritorious Service Award

**LAFAYETTE** – During Monday’s LaFayette Council meeting, Officer Eric L. Laney of the LaFayette Police Department was awarded the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his bravery while on duty.

On January 21, 2026, at approximately 8:16 p.m., the Lafayette Fire Department was dispatched to 56 Fifth Avenue Northwest in response to a structure fire. Officer Laney, who was also responding to the call, arrived on the scene within two minutes of the initial dispatch. Upon arrival, he found the residents on the front porch and confirmed an active fire inside the home.

Without hesitation, and despite the structure filling with smoke, Officer Laney retrieved a fire extinguisher from his patrol vehicle and entered the home through the open front door. Guided by the residents to the affected room, he encountered active flames and heard popping noises from an electrical circuit in the wall.

Demonstrating exceptional composure and decisive action under hazardous conditions, Officer Laney deployed the fire extinguisher effectively, preventing the fire from spreading and averting severe damage or injury. Recognizing the ongoing threat from the energized electrical circuit, he directed the residents to turn off all breakers inside the home.

He then proceeded outside and disconnected the main breaker near the power meter to ensure the electric current was cut off, eliminating the risk of rekindling the fire. Officer Laney promptly notified the Chambers County 9-1-1 dispatch that the fire had been extinguished and power secured.

The Lafayette Fire Department arrived at 8:20 p.m. and confirmed that there were no remaining hotspots, validating the effectiveness of Officer Laney’s swift intervention. His quick response, courage, and sound judgment directly prevented a potential catastrophic structure fire, safeguarding lives and minimizing property loss.

For his exemplary conduct in the face of immediate danger, Officer Eric L. Laney was awarded the Meritorious Service Award. LaFayette Police Lieutenant Lewis Hill presented the award, stating, “Officer Laney’s actions reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest standards of the Lafayette Police Department.”

LaFayette Mayor Kenneth Vines also expressed gratitude, saying, “Before I retired, I knew Officer Laney well at the Lafayette Police Department. He doesn’t talk much, but I promise you he’s an excellent officer. Thank you, Officer Eric L. Laney, for your actions.”

The LaFayette Council and those in attendance erupted into applause following those remarks.