A Louisiana police officer referred to as the “dancing officer” has become a local sensation after busting out dance moves while directing school traffic.
Haughton Police Officer Cody Lilly is somewhat of a local celebrity in the community, known for bringing smiles to kids’ faces through his dancing while he directs school buses and cars during drop-off time.
“I’ve just always wanted to make an impact on different lives,” Officer Cody Lilly said. “I’m not the cop that wanted to do 100 traffic stops in the day. So, I think of different ways I can affect the community and be a positive impact on policing.”
Lilly, who joined the Haughton Police Department three years ago to bring positivity to his hometown police, also coaches youth baseball teams.
He was talking with his wife one day about volunteering for the job of morning carpool when he came up with the idea to dance.
“There wasn’t a lot of people that wanted to do it. And I was sitting there talking to my wife one night and I said, Well, you know, I wonder how could I make directing traffic fun. So, one day I just went out there and I decided, hey, I’m gonna try to brighten up people’s day, and I just started busting out my best Michael Jackson impression while directing traffic, and I could just see the smiles,” he recalled.
Lilly also pointed to his faith in Christ and his desire to embody that love and joy.
“I want Christ to live through me. So I hope that is just a portion of what people see in the mornings when I’m directing traffic,” he said.
The officer can frequently be seen at multiple schools in the area.
On one occasion, an entire busload of kids began cheering him on behind the windows.
“He’s always done that stuff!” Assistant Chief of Haughton Police Department Ricky Bridges said.
“Y’all, check out our very own Officer Lilly. We’re proud to have the best ‘dancing officer’ in the state! Keep smiling, Officer Lilly, you make us proud! No one directs traffic better than you!!” the Haughton Police Department wrote on their Facebook page.
“I was just thinking this morning as he was twisting and turning and making everyone smile that someone should do a story about him! My kids always look forward to seeing him! He’s the best!” one commenter wrote.
