LIVINGSTON - The Livingston Parish sheriff launched a traffic division after a crossing guard was killed on duty.

Katy Wells was hit and killed while working on duty at Gray's Creek Elementary in April. Investigators arrested 64-year-old Darren Goudeau in connection with her death, charging him with vehicular homicide and second-offense driving while intoxicated.

Wells worked as a crossing guard at both Seventh Ward Elementary and Gray's Creek Elementary. Her death prompted Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard to launch a new traffic enforcement division. The five-deputy division will increase patrols around schools and busy roadways, targeting distracted, reckless and impaired drivers.

"Livingston Parish is the fastest growing parish in the state. Traffic is a real issue. So, we want to pay attention to that and put a little more effort toward traffic enforcement," said Sheriff Ard.

Lifelong Denham Springs resident Peggy Harris supports the move.

"Anything they can do to slow traffic down, watch for bad drivers. People are blowing through red lights, not stopping at stop signs," Harris said.

The Department of Transportation and Development also plans to reduce the school zone speed limit at Gray's Creek Elementary from 45 to 35 miles per hour after a request from the Livingston Parish Council.

Sheriff Ard could not provide updates on this criminal investigation.

Goudeau is due in court Tuesday, Aug. 18.