TRIBUTE STORIES

I just wanted to share with all of you a little of my life with George.

Growing up together back in the 60's on a one-time dairy farm, we lived a simple life. Since our Grandparents and parents all lived on the same street, we were a very close-knit family Many of the children of the siblings met daily to play at our Grandparents house, which was also, my Uncle George, his wife Bernice and their two offspring, Susan and George Ill's home.

Years later, the family property was sold, the siblings and their families moved and we all grew up leaving each of us to begin doing our own things. Suddenly, Uncle George died at the age of 51. Aunt Bernice and George headed for Miami, Florida to live with his older sibling Susan and her husband. During these years contact was sparse, except for visits.

George grew up, joined the Army, became an MP and moved yet to another state. After completion of his time to Uncle Sam, he returned to Miami for a while. I am unsure of his reason to return to New Orleans, but I am forever grateful he did. We reconnected as if we hadn't missed a beat. Going to dinner, movies and spending time together, of course, that was whenever he wasn't "serving and protecting" the streets of New Orleans as a New Orleans Police Officer. George's dedication to remain in the Crescent City and keep the title of being one of "New Orleans Finest" was his ultimate goal. He worked nights, weekends, holidays and was never happier then when he put on that uniform.

I remember during Mardi Gras parades being easily escorted through barricades, parking on the neutral ground and being directed to an enclosed area which was labeled "NOPD FAMILIES ONLY." Boy, did we feel special and he was always sure to introduce us as "his family."

Many a French Quarter Fest I meet Patrolman 1190 at Hooters while he was on the "French Quarter Bicycle Patrol". I think he liked showing off those "hairless" legs in those bike shorts!

I believe Detective George Tessier III was the next title. Seeing him getting out of the police car in jeans and a Hawaiian shirt really cracked me up. He then told me he was going to get a personalized plate that said "5-EAUX." (for those of you who don't speak Cajun that's FIVE-0)

All of a sudden, one day he called me and said he was going to Traffic. I asked him why he would want to spend all day writing tickets. It just didn't seem like a "George kinda thing." He then enlightened me-"cause of the money, Cuz.. .it's all about the GREEN!"

Then, the next shocker .... "I'm going to the motorcycle unit," he said. I guess, my husband and I are a little bit to blame for that. You see.. .we each ride a HOG (a Harley Davidson to you non-bikers.) I told him you only live once and who would have ever thought an old broad like me, who didn't even ride a bicycle well, would ever ride an 8001b motorcycle.

I can't tell you how many calls I got from him during that motorcycle training class. He said he learned every possible way to drop and pick up a motorcycle and he didn't realize that they were that heavy. I told him the idea was to keep the rubber side down... I knew he could do it. And he did.

I think of all the jobs he had at NOPD, he loved the motorcycle unit most. He was so proud of that uniform.. ...I smiled every time I heard "Cuz, don't I look good in these pants?" and boy, what about that "Sexy Beast" picture? I must apologize to you all.. 1 gave him the idea for the business card. He told me that those cards were for his special people and the "ladies" of course. How come I wasn't surprised? I was waiting to see it appear on a billboard on my way to work with the caption "FOR THE LADIES."

He called me from D.C.(ironically, he rode and represented NOPD in the Fallen Officers Memorial Law Ride this year) and said "Have Kevin find me a bike.. .I'm hooked. I want a Harley!" With the help of one of our good friends, George got his Harley. A 2004 Road King Custom in the color he insisted on. The day he picked it up from the Baton Rouge Harley Davidson he drove it straight to my house for us to approve. It was beautiful! He was so proud. He had such plans. We talked about the HOG rallies and overnight trips he would go on with us. Little did I know, but I would not be able to help him fulfill those dreams.

The morning of July 14th, is still vivid in my mind. I wish it would fade. I remember driving across the lake on the twin span bridges of I-10 listening to the radio. Then, that disturbing call to the station from a cell phone caller advising that a serious accident just occurred involving two eighteen wheelers and a police officer pinned under a car, just before the 510 split. At this point the traffic came to a stop and I looked at my watch. It was about 7:15am. I immediately reached for my cell phone and speed dialed him. To my disappointment, I got his voicemail, not his usual answer of "Lynnie-Winnie?" to which I always responded "Georgie-Porgie?" My message to him was for him to call me ASAP to let me know he was OK and that I was just checking on him. I persistently called him three more times before I arrived at my office. With each call, I prayed constantly that the sick feeling in my stomach would go away. I never had to wait this long for a call back from him....NEVER. The heartbreak I felt when I arrived in my office and was told by some retired police officer friends is a feeling I never want to experience again.

Georges Commander, after the funeral services, told me when they finally were able to get to him that morning his cell phone was ringing....it was me calling. But they just couldn't answer it. I understood.

I buried my Mother and Father within a two year period. I miss them so. However, the void I feel from loosing George is far different. It will take a lifetime to heal.

Lynn Cahill
1st Cousin of George A. Tessier III

Officer's Name: George A. Tessier III
Officer's Dept.: NOPD Traffic Division City: New Orleans LA
End of Watch: July 14, 2004