FALLEN OFFICER CPL. MICHAEL MIDDLEBROOK PARK DEDICATION CEREMONY 

Lafayette, LA – A dedication ceremony honoring fallen Lafayette Police Officer Cpl. Michael Middlebrook was held this morning to formally recognize the renaming of Plantation Park to Corporal Michael Paul Middlebrook Park. By resolution, the Lafayette City Council renamed the park at its July 25, 2023 meeting. 

Cpl. Middlebrook’s widow Adrienne, his two daughters, Violet and Chloe, mother Frances Von Hof, and father Herman Middlebrook were there along with city and parish officials, Lafayette Police officers, and members of the clergy. 

Mayor-President Josh Guillory told the crowd it was an honor to name and dedicate the park to Cpl. Middlebrook. “We will forever celebrate his life, legacy, and ultimate sacrifice,” he said. “Our officers wake up every day, go to work, and kiss their families not knowing what will happen once they walk out the door.” 

Cpl. Middlebrook began his career as a police officer on September 28, 2009 and lost his life in the line of duty on October 1, 2017. A marble memorial plaque was unveiled today and will later be mounted and installed at the park. Inscribed on the plaque, “Dedicated in recognition of Corporal Michael Paul Middlebrook’s supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. May his life and memory never be forgotten.” 

Police Chief Judith Estorge said, “Two words that we must always hold in our hearts are ‘Never Forget.’ We must never forget the sacrifice of Cpl. Middlebrook. This park will always be a park of reflection in his honor and one more way we’ll never forget Cpl. Michael Middlebrook.” 

The Lafayette Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Culture Department is preparing to install fitness equipment at various stations around the park’s walking path. The installation is expected to be complete in about one month.