As the new year approaches, now is the time to take control of your business expenses and operations. Savings4Members is more than a discount program—it’s a strategic resource designed to help you save money, simplify processes, and unlock growth opportunities. Here’s how you can make the most of your member benefits:

Cost Savings

Savings4Members helps you reduce expenses on essential business needs, including fuel, shipping, payroll, and more. Members can significantly cut costs and reinvest those savings into growth opportunities by tapping into exclusive discounts. Every dollar saved strengthens your bottom line.

Operational Efficiency

Our programs go beyond cost-cutting, offering tools and services that simplify daily operations. From streamlined payroll and HR solutions to smarter logistics and payment systems, Savings4Members helps you run your business more efficiently, saving both time and effort.

Vendor Partnerships

With access to a network of top-tier vendors, you’ll benefit from curated programs designed to meet your business needs. Our dedicated consultants ensure you’re matched with the right services, maximizing value and delivering personalized support every step of the way.

To learn more about the value of your member benefits, contact a Savings4Members Consultant at 603-628-2701 | info@savings4members.com

The Louisiana State Police (LSP) has introduced the Louisiana Applicant Processing System (LAPS), a cutting-edge initiative designed to streamline non-criminal background checks statewide. Partnering with IDEMIA, the state leverages the Universal Enrollment Platform (UEP), a robust, secure system ensuring faster, more accurate processing of applications.

Streamlining Background Checks

LAPS modernizes the background check process for both in-state and out-of-state applicants. By integrating UEP’s advanced capabilities, the system offers a mobile-friendly, accessible, and efficient solution. Applicants can now pre-enroll, schedule fingerprint appointments, and track their status online with ease.

Key features of the UEP include:

• Mobile Accessibility: Applicants can schedule appointments and check statuses from any device.
• Secure and Accurate Processing: Service codes uniquely identify the requesting agency, ensuring precise routing and results.
• Convenient Payment Options: Applicants can pay using credit/debit cards, checks, or agency-issued coupon codes.

Simplified Procedures for Applicants

The new system addresses the needs of both in-state and out-of-state applicants with tailored processes:

In-State Applicants
Applicants receive a service code tied to the requesting agency. Using this, they schedule an appointment at one of over 30 enrollment centers statewide. Fingerprints are captured electronically and processed within two days, with results returned directly to the requesting agency.

Out-of-State Applicants
For those residing outside Louisiana, the system offers two options:

1. Schedule a live-scan appointment at a nearby IDEMIA/IdentoGO center.
2. Submit printed fingerprint cards via mail for processing.

These steps ensure applicants from all regions can participate in a seamless and efficient background check process.

Cost Transparency

The cost of services varies by the type of background check requested:

• State-Only Check: Up to $47.50.
• State and Federal Check: Up to $60.75.
• Out-of-State Convenience Fee: $39.99 additional for live-scan services.

This transparent fee structure ensures applicants know the expenses upfront, while agencies have the option to prepay for multiple applicants using coupon codes.

Support and Accessibility

To assist applicants and agencies, LAPS provides multiple points of contact:

• IDEMIA Help Desk for scheduling and technical queries.
• LSP for administrative and finance-related questions.

Future-Ready Technology

The LAPS initiative positions Louisiana as a leader in leveraging biometric technology for public safety and convenience. With ongoing enhancements and the addition of new enrollment centers, LAPS continues to evolve, setting a new standard for applicant processing systems nationwide.

During the 2024 Annual Convention in Kenner LA the LLSSA elected a new President, Ron Foreman. Ron is the owner and operator of Bayou Fire Protection in Lake Charles.

Ron is not new to the position of LLSSA President as he served in this capacity between 2003 and 2007. He plans to focus his 2025 term on Growth and Improvement for the Association. Growing membership and attendance to events and improving the benefits we offer our membership specifically Education which is a passion of his. You can reach out directly to Ron at

Bayou Fire Protection, Inc 

307 Christman Road Lake Charles, LA 70615 

337-437-1230 Fax 337-437-1231

ron@bayoufire.net

bayoufire@aol.com

In accepting this position, Dera Deroche-Jolet, President in 2015 and 2019 – 2024 will step into the position of Chairman of the Board.

At their Annual Convention last month, the Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA) donated two K-9 Trauma kits to the Kenner K9 Division of the Police Department.  K9 Officer Muk with handler K9 Officer Eric Hill and K9 Officer Capone with handler Detective Katherine Stroyewski were presented with K9 Trauma Kits purchased with the donations form the LLSSA Membership during 2024.  These kits will go a long way to ensure Muk and Capone get immediate treatment should the unthinkable happen while on duty.

K9 officers—loyal, highly trained dogs working alongside law enforcement—play an irreplaceable role in public safety. Whether detecting explosives, tracking suspects, or conducting search-and-rescue missions, these canine heroes are often exposed to life-threatening risks. Yet, while we provide extensive medical support for human officers, many departments lack the resources to adequately address emergencies involving their four-legged partners. This is where K9 trauma kits become essential.

A K9 trauma kit is a specialized first-aid kit designed to provide immediate care for injured police dogs. These kits typically include items like:

• Bandages and gauze to stop bleeding.
• Splints for fractures.
• Burn dressings for thermal injuries.
• Muzzles to ensure the safety of handlers while administering aid.
• Oxygen masks tailored for dogs.
• Tourniquets and clotting agents to address severe wounds.

K9 officers face many of the same dangers as human officers but often without immediate access to medical care. Situations such as gunfire, vehicle accidents, and exposure to hazardous substances can result in life-threatening injuries.  Handlers can use a K9 trauma kit to stabilize their canine partner until veterinary professionals can take over. Quick intervention during the “golden hour”—the critical first hour after trauma—can mean the difference between life and death for an injured dog.

Equipping every K9 unit with a trauma kit is a mission of the LLSSA.  This year was just the beginning of the mission, and they were able to give two of the kits to the Kenner PD.  In 2025 the LLSSA would like to expand this project to help more departments across the state.  You can help by donating to the project at https://llssa.org/k9-trauma-kit-donations/ 

 Our K9 officers give their all to protect us—it’s only right that we provide them with the tools needed to protect them in return. Trauma kits are not just an investment in the safety of these animals; they are a testament to the respect and care we owe our loyal defenders

The LA Wallet is Louisiana’s official digital driver’s license app, designed to provide residents with a secure, convenient way to carry a digital version of their state-issued driver’s license or ID card. Developed in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and the Louisiana State Police, the app serves as an innovative approach to modernizing identity verification and reducing the need for physical documents.

Available for download on iOS and Android devices, the LA Wallet ensures that Louisiana residents have access to a state-approved and legally accepted digital credential that can be used in many of the same scenarios as a physical license.