Who I Am

My name is Donald Babineaux, and I began my law enforcement career in 2001 working in Juvenile Hall. After a short time in real estate, I put myself through the police academy and went on to serve with two Sheriff’s Offices. Over the years, I worked in the Courts, on Patrol, and later in Investigations.

During my time in investigations, I worked cases ranging from robberies and homicides to suicides, sexual assaults, and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). My specialty was ICAC, where, alongside outstanding men and women, I helped put handcuffs on those who would harm children. While the work was rewarding, the toll it took on me—and those closest to me—was profound.

The Toll of Service

I didn’t see it at first, but my family did. The sleepless nights. The flashbacks. The isolation. The shortness in my words and the absence in my presence. My refusal to admit I was struggling ultimately led to the loss of my marriage in 2024.

That year, my life nearly ended. On May 19, 2024, after years of burying the pain and convincing myself I was “fine,” I seriously contemplated suicide. I thought through where I would do it so that no one I loved—or my fellow deputies—would be the ones to find me. By the grace of God, I heard a voice telling me not to go through with it, and I listened.

The next day, I made a call that saved my life. I entered a first responder mental health treatment facility on May 21, 2024, where I spent 45 days surrounded by people who understood exactly what I was going through—law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers, medics, and military. For the first time, I knew I was not alone.

Why I Founded B.A.B.C.Y.S.

Out of my experience, I created B.A.B.C.Y.S. (Be A Buffalo; Charge Your Storm). Just as buffalo face storms head-on instead of running from them, our mission is to help first responders face their storms with strength and support.

B.A.B.C.Y.S exists to provide financial assistance for first responders nationwide to receive specialized mental health and addiction treatment. Insurance rarely covers the full cost of these programs, leaving many unable to access lifesaving help. We want to remove that barrier.