Jason Smith, Washington Parish’s next sheriff, will be sworn into office next Friday, June 28 in front of the Washington Parish Courthouse. The ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m.
He said everyone is invited to the swearing-in ceremony, and he also invites everyone to remain for refreshments afterwards.
Smith, of Mount Hermon, succeeds Sheriff Randy Seal, who is leaving public office after 12 years as sheriff and 18 years as Parish Assessor.
Smith won election in a run-off last November, defeating Seal as the incumbent sought his fourth term in office.
Prior to running for sheriff, Smith operated a cattle farm in Mount Hermon. Before that, he was a career Marine, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Smith was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in combat while serving in Iraq. Smith is a second-generation Marine officer; his father, Walter Smith of Mount Hermon, also served as a Marine Lieutenant Colonel.
Since his election seven months ago, Smith has been planning for his operation of the sheriff’s office. He also graduated from the Slidell Regional Law Enforcement Academy.
Smith said he has worked with Sheriff Seal’s administration to obtain the financial and other information needed regarding the operation of the sheriff’s office. “We have received everything we’ve asked for,” he said earlier this year.
