Recently retired LaSalle Parish Sheriff Scott Franklin was recognized by the LaSalle Parish Legislative Delegation last Thursday night for his many achievements after serving as sheriff for 16 years.

Louisiana Senator Glen Womack and Louisiana Representatives Gabe Firment and Neil Riser presented the retired Sheriff with a special legislative “Expression of Commendation” during a meeting of the LaSalle Economic Development District held at the LaSalle Parish Library in Jena.

All three legislators spoke highly of the Sheriff in their remarks, noting his contributions to the parish and state during his tenure.

The commendation noted that Franklin was first elected in 2007 and took the helm of the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office in the wake of the “Jena Six” incident and opened his first term with a strong enforcement effort to curb the illegal drug trade in the parish, making good on his campaign promise of “Quit, Move, or Go To Jail.”

“Sheriff Franklin is held in high regard by his deputies for his humble willingness to work alongside them in the field; this leadership style has led to improved morale and comradery within the sheriff’s office; he successfully lobbied for a half-percent sales tax that allowed the sheriff’s office to increase deputy salaries, purchase modern equipment, and expand department facilities and service,” the commendation states.

“Sheriff Scott Franklin is an incredibly civic-minded individual who is most deserving of the highest recognition for dedicating his career to protecting the people of LaSalle Parish and the state of Louisiana,” it continues. “Therefore, we, Representatives Michael “Gabe” Firment and Neil Riser and Senator Glen Womack, do hereby commend LaSalle Parish Sheriff, Scott Franklin, on the occasion of his retirement and do hereby extend sincerest wishes that he continue to prosper in all of his endeavors as he begins a new journey in retirement.”

LEDD President Walter Dorroh Jr. also expressed his thanks to the retired Sheriff, noting he was instrumental in many of the advancements the parish saw during the past 16 years.

“It’s no coincidence that during the period of time that Sheriff Franklin was in office our economic development efforts in LaSalle Parish reached significant heights of achievement and accomplishment,” he said. “For those of you who are aware, we are still the third lowest unemployment in the state of Louisiana. It’s no coincidence that it happened while he was in office. He was a real friend to this organization and a real friend to economic development and we will miss Scott and appreciate all he did.”