The Shreveport Police Department is mourning the loss of Henry Cudo, who died today from a serious illness.  He was 66. 

Cudo worked for 15 different chiefs during his 46-year career, which began July 12, 1965. He started as a dispatcher and worked his way up to director of communications, where he was instrumental in initiating the first computer-aided dispatch (CAD) for police dispatching in the United States. That achievement came in the early 70’s under Police Chief Thurman Kelly. 

 “There are no words to describe the commitment, dedication and service Henry Cudo provided the citizens of this city,’’ Police Chief Willie Shaw said.  “Henry demonstrated selfless service we should all strive to achieve, giving 46 years of his life to help others.”  

Mayor Cedric Glover said Cudo was a model for others to emulate. 

“Henry Cudo possessed the qualities you always hope to find in a good employee and he was totally committed to making the department, and indeed the City, a better place than they were when he arrived,’’ Glover said. ``He will be deeply missed.’’ 

When the communication bureau was staffed with uniformed supervisors, Cudo became the CAD-Tech, where he wrote computer programs that ran the systems and handled all the radio equipment for the department, including having several radio towers built and making sure the department complied with FCC regulations. 

His position in the communications bureau evolved over the years and whenever technical service was needed, Cudo was the person to ask.  Cudo seldom missed a day of work and probably had over 40 years of perfect attendance. His last day at work was September 20, 2011.

A memorial service honoring his life will held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 6, at Forest Park Funeral Home, 1201 Louisiana Avenue.

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