Operation Blue Remembrance memorializes Dayton l

DAYTON – A special ceremony highlighting the service of two former Dayton law enforcement officers recognized their contributions to the community and painted a picture of both men’s historical significance.

Louis “ Frenchy” Cashat and Hurley Provost served Dayton heroically at different points in the city’s history. They were recognized for their contributions by Operation Blue Remembrance, a nonprofit that works to honor the memory of law enforcement officers, especially those lost in the line of duty.

A packed house filled the training room of the Dayton Police Department last Friday, with both men’s families and community members showing support for their service.

“ We’re here to honor two men from two very different times. Two men, who on the surface, are very different,” said Operation Blue Remembrance founder Bert Sims.

The latter mission of OBR is embodied by the story of Cashat, who, on June 15, 1950, made the ultimate sacrifice as Dayton’s Night Watchmen.

On that night, a pair of teens from Houston had stolen a car and ended up in Dayton, where they ran out of gas near the home of John Griffitts. A short while later, Griffitts drove the pair to town, not knowing what they had done, only to feel something was not right with the pair.

Cashat, out on patrol, would eventually come across the trio and found them in the middle of a scuffle near Church Street and U. S. 90.

Cashat saw that Griffitts was in trouble and proceeded to help the local resident, who was armed, but he had been stabbed several times, allowing one of the teens to grab his gun and use it to shoot Cashat several times.

“ But I guess it was what happened after that that really kind of touched my heart and just reminded me about this community. This community pulled together. They raised money,” Dayton Police Chief Derek Woods told those in attendance. “ it’s just a real testament to this to this community,” The teens were eventually brought to justice, but the family of Cashat long lived in fear of retribution and kept the story of Cashat to themselves until 2011, when the late Kevin Ladd delved into the account. At that time, the remaining family members of Cashat learned of his sacrifice.

Cashat, who is the only Dayton peace officer to lose his life, has since been recognized on the Texas Police Officer Memorial Wall in Austin and the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Provost served the Dayton Police Department for 20 years and was the first black officer to dawn the badge in the community; and passed away this past year at the age of 89.

Provost’s grandson, Jeremy Winters, spoke of his pride in his grandfather and his commitment to protecting the community.

“ I will never forget the sacrifices that he made in the line of duty, nor will I forget the countless lives he touched during his time with us. We are forever grateful for the impact he had on our community,” Winters said.

Operation Blue Remembrance has placed markers at both men’s gravesites as they continue their mission to remember the legacy of peace offers.

“As a retired peace officer, I can tell you that every man or woman that wears that badge makes a sacrifice to some degree. It may not be as drastic and tragic, such as the ultimate sacrifice that Night Watchman Cashat made, but Officer Provost, I can promise you, made sacrifices every day of his career,” Sims said.

Melanie Cotton from State Rep. Ernest Bailes office was on hand to recognize the contributions of both men, awarding flags and certificates to each family.

For more information on the mission of Operation Blue Remembrance, visit operationblueremem-brance. org