Retirement effective May 25
, chuck@rustonleader.com
05-09-2007
Randal Hermes, chief of
police for the city of Ruston, has announced his retirement effective May
25.“On Monday I notified Mayor Hollingsworth and the members of the Police Department, and while attempting to continue with my ‘persons to contact’ list the ‘grapevine’ took over and the news has and is continuing to spread throughout the community,” Hermes said.
Hermes began his law enforcement career in 1977 with the Louisiana Tech Police Department. In July 1978 Chief Don Hammon lured him to the Ruston Police Department.
On February 1, 1993 Mayor Hilda Perritt and the City Council appointed Hermes Ruston Police Chief.
“Since January of 1999 I have appreciated the support and guidance of Mayor Dan Hollingsworth and all the members of the City Council,” Hermes said.
Grambling Police Chief Tommy Clark Jr. said Hermes would be missed in the local law enforcement community.
“I know over the course of a law enforcement career, we all look forward to the day we can retire and have some relaxation, but he is going to be missed,” Clark said. “I know it’s going have an impact on what we do because not only have we always had a good working relationship, but we were friends. We were always able to work together on any and all issues.”
Third Judicial District Attorney Bob Levy said he enjoyed his professional and personal relationship with Hermes.
“Randal is a fine example of law enforcement professionalism and has raised the standard of the Ruston Police Department to a level that is envied by other law enforcement agencies,” Levy said.
Levy also pointed to Hermes’ work on the Lincoln Parish Detention Center Commission.
“He has done an exemplary job in the everyday operations of the Lincoln Parish Detention Center,” Levy said. “His direct, hands-on approach will be missed.”
Hollingsworth said knowing this day would eventually come hasn’t made it easier.
“The Chief has done a good job and brought stability to this program,” Hollingsworth said. “I think a great deal of Randal. His calm demeanor has been an asset. He’s been able to attract a number of good, young officers into our program and that’s the lifeblood of a department.”
Hollingsworth said he would get with the Civil Service Board to schedule a test and begin the process to select a new chief.
“We’ll have a list of those who passed the test and their qualifications, then I’ll make a recommendation to the city council,” Hollingsworth said. “They’ll either approve or disapprove my choice.”
In the interim, Assistant Chief Jim Hilton, a 32-year veteran of the department, will serve as chief.
Hermes said his tenure as police chief has been interesting for he and his family.
“I have always tried to follow my conscience in the many, sometimes complicated and difficult, decisions which have been my responsibility,” Hermes said. “I have also relied heavily upon and appreciated my wife, Susan, for a ‘normal’, or non-police opinion and perspective. As I’m sure other administrators can attest, the family support and understanding is critical to success.”
Hermes also said he was fortunate to have been associated with and learned from many law enforcement professionals throughout his career with the Ruston Police Department.
“I am proud to be able leave the department in the competent hands of the men and women who continue to serve this community,” Hermes said. “During the months that follow, I will devote my efforts to the benefit of my family which, unfortunately, too often took a backseat to my responsibility to the community.”
As for whether or not he’ll miss the work, Hermes said he’s not sure.
“My wife thinks I’ll miss it but I think I won’t,” he said. “My mother used to tell me I was shiftless when I was a teenager. I think there’s still a lot of that in me.
“I will miss the people and the associations I’ve made.”
Other Top Stories
