Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker has officially begun his second term in office, receiving his oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony Thursday at the parish courthouse.
Parker, who missed by one day having the ceremony on his birthday, was first elected in October, 2019 and was the only sheriff in the region to run without opposition for his second term.
“It’s been a challenging four years and I’ve gained some gray hairs, but it’s been a good four years for our department,” Parker said after taking the oath administered by Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Jeff Cox.
Joining Parker in taking oaths of office were Chief Deputy O.H. “Hank” Haynes IV and parish Clerk of Court Holli Vining.
Parker told a group including family and friends that challenges during his first term included the COVID pandemic and hurricane declaration in the parish. Also, he said, the department mourned the loss of two deputies during the past four years.
“Hank and I are blessed every day to open our eyes and come to the office and serve the people of our parish,” Parker said. “I tell our deputies we have a sworn obligation to protect and to serve, but we have an awesome opportunity each day when we put on that badge. We want to continue to be accessible and transparent.”
Parker praised what he called the unity among agencies in the parish, a factor he said contributes to getting things done in a positive way.
“The unity in the parish, working with other agencies and other public servants, makes for a great working relationship,” he said. “That will not change.”