T.J. Morse is spending the week in Washington, D.C., honoring fallen Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Caleb Eisworth during National Police Week.
Morse traveled to the nation’s capital with Eisworth’s family and nearly 40 Baton Rouge officers. The group is attending ceremonies as Eisworth’s name is added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial wall.
Sgt. Caleb Michael Eisworth served with the Baton Rouge Police Department for more than 20 years. He earned the department’s Medal of Valor and several awards for heroism during his career.
The chief described National Police Week as emotional but meaningful for officers and families across the country.
“It is really a cool thing to look around and see that many people just honoring those heroes,” Morse said during the interview from Washington.
National Police Week includes memorial ceremonies, support events, and a candlelight vigil. Morse said organizers will read the names of more than 300 officers killed in the line of duty during 2024.
Morse also discussed the recent Baton Rouge Police Department pay raise approved by Metro Council leaders. He said morale inside the department has improved since the vote.
The chief said recruiting interest has increased in recent weeks. According to Morse, more than 25 people have already contacted the department about joining BRPD. Some inquiries came from officers in other states.
Starting pay for new Baton Rouge officers now sits at $58,000. Morse said that is the highest starting police salary in Louisiana.
The department plans to hire up to 30 officers this year. Officials could add another 50 to 60 officers next year if funding continues.