WASHINGTON– U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the Senate floor Monday to honor the life of fallen Mandeville police officer Captain Vincent “Vinny” Liberto Jr.
Liberto was killed in the line of duty last week during a gunfire exchange with a suspect, who fled a traffic stop and led officers on a high-speed chase. Officer Ben Cato also suffered injuries, though, he has already returned to work.
Cassidy celebrated Liberto’s lifelong call to service, first as a Marine then as a law enforcement officer.
“Captain Liberto’s death is a painful reminder that our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Our law enforcement officers report to work each day knowing that they might not come home at night. They do it for all of us, and for that we should always be grateful.”
Click here to view Dr. Cassidy’s speech on YouTube.
Click here to download a video file of Dr. Cassidy’s speech.
Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:
Mr. President,
I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mandeville police officer Captain Vincent “Vinny” Liberto Jr., who was killed in the line of duty last week.
Captain Liberto will be remembered for a life of service to his community and to his country.
After graduating from Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served for 10 years and achieved the rank of sergeant.
He had a combined 30 years of law enforcement service, five with the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Department and 25 years with the Mandeville Police Department, where he was recognized as Office of the Year.
Captain Liberto had a brilliant mind for law enforcement. He graduated from the FBI National Academy, ran the MPD’s Criminal Investigations Division where he worked as a polygraphist, and was responsible for the department’s enforcement functions.
Those who knew him best describe him as a gentle giant; polite and upbeat; reasonable and fair-minded – all qualities that made him a great police officer.
In his yard flies the Marine Corps flag and mounted on the front door are twin wreaths, one for the Marines and one for police.
Captain Liberto is survived by his wife, Tracey, and their seven children. He was 58 years old.
His passion for service was so strong that it inspired several of his children to follow in their dad’s footsteps by entering the military and law enforcement. That is the definition of setting a great example for your children.
Captain Liberto’s death is a painful reminder that our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. He died during a gunfire exchange when a routine traffic stop turned into a tragedy.
Another officer involved, Ben Cato, was also injured, but thankfully he is already back at work.
Like Captain Liberto and officer Cato, our law enforcement officers report to work each day knowing that they might not come home at night. They do it for all of us, and for that we should always be grateful.
I ask that those listening say a prayer for Tracey, their kids and the officers of the Mandeville Police Department who are grieving the loss of one of their own.
Vincent Liberto made Louisiana a better place and made our country a better place. He will be sorely missed.
###