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Incident
Lieutenant Sidney Zaffuto was shot and killed during a bank robbery while working an overtime assignment at a bank at 4626 General de Gaulle Drive.
Three suspects entered the bank and immediately disarmed Lieutenant Zaffuto while holding him at gunpoint. A second deputy, who was in the rear of the bank, observed what was occurring and confronted the suspects. A shootout ensued, and Lieutenant Zaffuto was shot in the chest while the second deputy was struck in the leg.
Two of the suspects were also wounded, and all three fled the scene. A plainclothes detective who observed the suspects fleeing called for backup before taking the suspects into custody with other responding officers. Two United States Coast Guard petty officers, who were transporting ammunition through the area, took the third suspect into custody.
The subject who shot Lieutenant Zaffuto was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death on May 27th, 2009. In April 2009, the second subject died in jail.
Lieutenant Zaffuto had served with the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff's Office for a total of 21 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, two stepchildren, and two grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
21 years. You could have gone home.
Lieutenant Zaffuto gave the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the New Orleans community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Zaffuto.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Sidney is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
Sidney is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Sidney is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2004, 6 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 2004, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2004, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Sidney was 50. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. Sidney had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Sidney was 50. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Sidney had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Sidney was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Sidney had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 8.2% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Thursdays: 12.9%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 14.3% of all 7 deaths at Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, the 3rd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 1.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, Sidney among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
