Crowley native on national network show

By Howell Dennis

CROWLEY – Those Crowley residents who watch the television show “The First 48” on the Arts & Entertainment network may have seen a familiar face during the past two years.

The show, which details police officers trying to solve a case within a forty-eight hour time frame from when the crime was committed, travels to a few major cities in the United States, including Miami.

It is in this city where local viewers may see an officer whose last name looks familiar, but is mispronounced by those on the show.

Miami homicide officer Louis Charles “L.C.” Melancon is a Crowley native with strong family ties in the area. His mother, Mary Melancon, is a Crowley alderwoman who has served on the city council for thirteen years. Needless to say she is very proud woman.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of him,” she said. “It doesn’t seem too long ago that he was playing baseball for Crowley High.”

Officer Melancon seems to have found a new home in Miami. He has even grown used to the south Florida pronunciation of his name - ME-LAN-KAHN.

“After a while I just got used to it,” he laughed.

Officer Melancon spent time in the army, serving with the military police for a while, before joining the force in Miami. He has taken a liking to his new home in Florida, though he still enjoys his trips home when he gets the chance.

“We call him the favorite son,” said his sister Margaret Istre with a smile on her face. “I honestly don’t think my mother ever cooks unless he’s in town.”

Officer Melancon recalls his mothers influence with great fondness.

“My mother is a very headstrong woman and she passed that trait on to us,” said Melancon. “She definitely had quite an influence on me.”

As for his time on the show it has been quite an experience for Melancon.

“I’ve been doing the show for the past two years, I believe they’ve been filming in Miami for the past four,” he said. “Overall, it’s been enjoyable.”

When asked whether there are any cases he’s worked on the show that stand out to him, it becomes obvious how busy he is.

“I’ve worked many cases but I must say that I remember every case that involves children,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking at times to see them involved in some of these crimes.”

Among those with warm memories of Melancon is Crowley Chief of Police K.P. Gibson.

“Let me tell you that guy was a ballplayer,” Gibson said. “I remember him throwing perfect strikes to the catcher all the way from right field.”

According to his mother, baseball was always one of his biggest loves.

“He played some basketball but baseball was what he really enjoyed,” she said. “He used to play in every league he could get into.”

One thing she is definitely looking forward to is his next visit to Crowley.

“I really wish I could see him more often but I know he’s busy,” she said. “Hopefully he’ll visit soon.”