Newly elected Caddo Parish Sheriff makes history as first Black man to be sworn into office

Ian Robinson, Shreveport Times
·3 min read

Caddo Parish's first Black sheriff Henry Whitehorn was sworn in Monday.

Whitehorn was elected to the position on March 23 after securing 53 percent of the in-person vote, a percentage that didn't change once the roughly 25,000 early votes were counted.

Henry Whitehorn (right), with his hand on the Holy Bible held by his son Henry Whitehorn, Jr., is sworn in as the Caddo Parish Sheriff Monday afternoon, July 1, 2024, by the Honorable Ramona Emanuel at the Shreveport Convention Center.
Henry Whitehorn (right), with his hand on the Holy Bible held by his son Henry Whitehorn, Jr., is sworn in as the Caddo Parish Sheriff Monday afternoon, July 1, 2024, by the Honorable Ramona Emanuel at the Shreveport Convention Center.

Democrat Whitehorn defeated Republican John Nickelson in three separate ballot countings. Following the November 18, 2023 election, Nickelson contested Whitehorn's win by a one-vote margin. Whitehorn received 21,621 votes while Nickelson received 21,620.

After a November 27, 2023 recount that still determined Whitehorn as the winner, Nickelson filed a lawsuit outlining allegations of irregularities in votes during the runoff election. Retired Louisiana Court Justice Joseph Bleich ordered a new runoff election between Whitehorn and Nickelson. Whitehorn appealed the ruling. However, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals uphold Bleich's ruling.

"As I look out in this space, I see a community − a community of people who one-way or another helped make this possible," Whitehorn said during his inaugural address at the Shreveport Convention Center. "Possible for me to be standing here before you today as your sheriff of Caddo Parish. Sheriff [Victor] Jones, I'm reminded today that I stand in a line of twenty-four previous sheriffs. I'm also reminded that I'm standing on the shoulders of men and women who bled, sweat and died so that I can have this opportunity."

"Now it's my honor to serve with the brave and courageous men and women of the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office and I do believe that it is one of the best law enforcement agencies in the state."

Henry Whitehorn (left) shares a moment with his son Henry Whitehorn, Jr., and Congressman Troy Carter during his swearing in ceremony as the Caddo Parish Sheriff Monday afternoon, July 1, 2024, at the Shreveport Convention Center.
Henry Whitehorn (left) shares a moment with his son Henry Whitehorn, Jr., and Congressman Troy Carter during his swearing in ceremony as the Caddo Parish Sheriff Monday afternoon, July 1, 2024, at the Shreveport Convention Center.

Whitehorn has decades of law enforcement experience and has served as the city's Chief Administrative Officer. In 1978, he joined the Louisiana State Police and served in various capacities, leaving as LSP Superintendent in 2007 to become the Shreveport Police Chief under Mayor Cedric Glover, becoming the first Black to serve in the position.

In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Whitehorn as the United States Marshal for the Western District of Louisiana, a position he served until 2020.

As Caddo Parish's newly elected Sheriff, Whitehorn said he pledged to serve with integrity, lead with courage and remember the lessons learned on the path that led him to his new role.

"Our mission is clear − we aim to become a beacon of law enforcement agencies, not just in Louisiana, but across the nation," he said. "We are committed to upholding law and order, ensuring that peace and security are not just clear concepts but tangible realities that every citizen in our parish can experience. Safety is the cornerstone of our community. It is the foundation upon which we build our dreams, nurture our families and conduct our daily lives. As your sheriff, I pledge to foster an environment where safety in a communal achievement... sustained by every member of our society."

Whitehorn said he will leverage relationships with other agencies to prevent crime, and collaborate with the community and faith organizations to provide more opportunities for parish youth to keep them out of trouble.

"Together we will work tirelessly to create a Caddo Parish that is safe, just, innovative and respectful," Whitehorn said. "A community where law is respected. Where peace is the norm and where every citizen can look to the future with confidence and hope. Thank you for your support, your faith, your commitment."

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Henry Whitehorn during his swearing-in ceremony as the Caddo Parish Sheriff Monday afternoon, July 1, 2024, at the Shreveport Convention Center.
Henry Whitehorn during his swearing-in ceremony as the Caddo Parish Sheriff Monday afternoon, July 1, 2024, at the Shreveport Convention Center.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Henry Whitehorn, first Black sheriff of Caddo Parish sworn in