Ouachita Parish Sheriff Jay Russell announces retirement

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Jay Russell is expected to retire effective June 30, 2024.

According to a press release from the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office, although Russell will not retire until next year, he will not seek reelection in the October 14 primary.

Russell began his career in law enforcement with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office at the Ouachita Correctional Center under Sheriff Laymon Goodwin. He served in the Patrol Division and was later promoted to corporal as a Field Training Officer.

In 2007, Russell was promoted to OPSO Chief Deputy, where he served until he was elected as the Ouachita Parish Sheriff in 2011. He was sworn in as Sheriff of Ouachita Parish on July 1, 2012.

During his time as Sheriff of Ouachita Parish, Russell has overseen many upgrades and improvements to the various facilities and operational aspects of the department, and his office has accomplished a great deal for the community, the press release reads.

"I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish for the people of Ouachita Parish during my time as Sheriff," Russell said. "We could not have done so much for this community without the efforts of the men and women of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Department," Russell said.

Russell endorsed Chief Deputy Marc Mashaw as his replacement for sheriff, according to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office.

"Chief Mashaw has an outstanding law enforcement career of over 34 years and has been our Chief Deputy for 11 years and he has the experience needed to be the Sheriff of Ouachita Parish, so I will be supporting him for that position," Russell said.

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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Jay Russell announces pending retirement as Ouachita Parish sheriff