Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Surrounded by local legislators, friends, and family during a Sunday afternoon ceremony, Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington was sworn into office for his fourth term by United States Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at the Bossier Parish Courthouse.
“We all know that if you place family right behind God, things will work out for you. It doesn’t matter what you do, what your position is, or what you have. If you keep your priorities straight, it will all work out.”
“At the Bossier Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish, we have a lot going for us for two reasons. One is you, the elected officials here today and citizens. I couldn’t imagine living or working anywhere else. Bossier is known for supporting law enforcement and having tough juries. Word gets around that Bossier doesn’t put up with anything. The second half of that is the employees. These dedicated folks make a difference. I’m so proud of them,” added Whittington.
Whittington mentioned that the biggest challenges the Sheriff’s Office currently faces are training and hiring good people.
Following Whittington’s remarks, Speaker Johnson spoke of the great work Sheriff Whittington has done in Bossier Parish and answered a few questions from local media outlets.
“Sheriff Whittington and I have been friends for a long time. He’s done an extraordinary job in Bossier Parish. The statistics speak for themselves. It’s a great community, a great place to live, and we’re delighted to be a part of it,” Johnson said.
“I really do take great comfort in being a Bossier Parish resident because when I am on the road and my family is here, it’s good to know they’re safe. The deputies of Bossier Parish are on the job all the time,” he added.
When asked about Rep. Dodie Horton’s Ten Commandments bill, Johnson said, “I think the Ten Commandments are inarguably a critical component of our nation’s history. The Supreme Court acknowledged that religion is deeply embedded in the history and tradition of our country.”
“The Ten Commandments are interwoven throughout our history. To acknowledge their historic importance to school children is a no-brainer. It is not a violation of our Constitution,” he added.
