Ralph Dunne is a man shaped by resilience, dedication, and a profound connection to his community. A 57-year-old widower and father of two grown children, Ralph was born and raised on the Westbank of New Orleans, where he learned the values of family, service, and loyalty. He graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1985 and began his journey of public service soon after, first as a volunteer firefighter with both the Harvey Volunteer Fire Company #2 and the Gould Volunteer Fire Department in Gretna, Louisiana. His leadership skills quickly earned him the rank of Captain in both departments, marking the start of a long and distinguished career.
Ralph Dunne’s Career
In 1989, Ralph transitioned from firefighting to law enforcement, joining the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. His commitment and work ethic saw him rise through the ranks over his 20-plus years of service. Starting in patrol, Ralph soon advanced to the Investigations Bureau, focusing on juvenile crimes. His work was instrumental in the development of the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center, an innovative program that improved the handling of juvenile cases. Promoted to Sergeant, then Lieutenant, and eventually Captain, Ralph oversaw the busy Code 6 and Intake Booking Division, managing over 100 arrests daily.
After retiring from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ralph continued his career in law enforcement. In 2015, he joined the Gretna Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, where he now serves as a detective, using his extensive experience to solve complex cases. His passion for justice and commitment to his community remains as strong as ever.
Throughout his career, Ralph has faced some of the toughest challenges, particularly during Louisiana’s notorious hurricane seasons. He has worked through every major hurricane that has struck southeast Louisiana, including Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and Hurricane Gustav in 2008. His efforts extended beyond his local community, as he often assisted neighboring departments in the aftermath of these devastating storms. Ralph’s crisis work showcases his unwavering dedication to helping others, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
In addition to his emergency response work, Ralph has been a critical figure in maintaining public safety during large-scale events, such as Mardi Gras parades and the annual Gretna Fest. His ability to bring calm and order to chaotic situations is a testament to his steady leadership and vast experience.
Ralph’s Personal Life
While Ralph’s professional life is marked by service and dedication, his personal journey has been shaped by both joy and profound hardship. In 1991, Ralph experienced a heartbreaking tragedy when his father, a retired New Orleans police officer, was shot two weeks before Ralph’s wedding and passed away two weeks later. This senseless loss left a deep impact on Ralph, but he found happiness with his wife, Evelyn, to whom he was married for 29 years. Tragically, in 2020, Ralph’s world was shattered once again when Evelyn passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Her death was one of the most difficult experiences of Ralph’s life, plunging him into a period of anxiety and depression.
Blog and Personal Writing
Despite these hardships, Ralph continues to find strength in his passions and hobbies. One of his biggest joys is fishing, often heading out on his 23-foot bay boat to explore the local waters. His love for the outdoors has also inspired his writing. Ralph has penned articles for Mississippi Sportsman about the Yellowfin Elite Redfish Series fishing tournament, showcasing his deep knowledge of competitive fishing.
Writing has become a significant part of Ralph’s life, offering him an outlet for self-expression and healing. He is currently working on multiple e-books, particularly focusing on relationships and self-help. His upcoming book, A Monster Among Us: My Battle with Narcissistic Partners, delves into his personal experiences with narcissistic individuals, offering valuable insights for those who have faced emotional manipulation. Ralph’s writing is marked by raw honesty and practical advice, helping readers recognize the signs of narcissistic abuse and find a path to healing.
Ralph’s blog is another platform where he shares his thoughts and experiences, ranging from local dining reviews to personal reflections. Recent posts such as Gretna Weight Loss Revolution, Disappointing Lunch at Jersey Mike’s, and Bon Sake Sushi Bar highlight his candid nature and his passion for sharing his life with others. He also enjoys writing poetry, which provides a creative outlet for his emotions and personal insights.
Beyond writing, Ralph has embraced the digital age by developing skills in website creation and online marketing. He combines his investigative expertise with a keen interest in digital innovation, applying these skills to various projects that demonstrate his adaptability and drive for continuous learning.
Interest of Ralph Dunne
Ralph’s personal life, though marked by tragedy, is also filled with moments of joy and comfort. His loyal Siberian husky, Zoey, offers companionship and solace, even if her notorious shedding requires constant cleaning. Ralph finds balance in his life through dining at fine restaurants, indulging in the rich culinary scene of New Orleans, and savoring moments of relaxation. He is also a passionate fan of the New Orleans Saints and LSU football, never missing the opportunity to cheer on his favorite teams.
As Ralph continues to share his story and insights, whether through his upcoming book or his blog, he hopes to inspire others to find strength and hope in the face of adversity. His journey—marked by service, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth—proves that even in life’s darkest moments, there is always room for healing, passion, and the pursuit of a brighter future.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more you can contact Ralph Dunne at 504-439-3858 or via email at rdunnejr@yahoo.com