Ruston police chief honored for 29 years service
, cassandra@rustonleader.com
05-27-2007
With the same quiet
demeanor that marked his 14-year tenure as chief of the Ruston Police
Department, Randal Hermes said not “Good-bye,” but “See you later” to those
gathered at the Civic Center for his retirement ceremony on Friday. “I’m confident in the competency of the guys who are in the department,” Hermes said.
“I’m staying here; if I didn’t feel that way, we would vamoose quickly. “I see the status of the department as a reflection of the people who work here, not me.”
Hermes, who started his career in law enforcement in July 1978, said he will likely use his newly found free time to be more active with volunteering, particularly with projects to combat underage drinking — and fishing.
“I appreciate the opportunity I’ve had for the last 14 years, and I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “I’ll see y’all later; I’m going fishing.”
Hermes was presented with several pieces of recognition, including plaques from the RPD and Mayor Dan Hollingsworth.
“This is a happy day for Randal and his family but a sad day for us because we won’t have him here,” Hollingsworth said.
“He never seems to get excitable on the outside, which is a tremendous asset for a police officer, because his quiet demeanor has helped diffuse things that could easily have gotten out of hand.”
Hollingsworth said under Hermes’ leadership, the RPD has been able to attract quality employees.
“He’s conducted his role as chief with dignity,” he said. “Randal has done much to ensure the safety of our citizens, and he will be missed — not only by the people he serves, but those of us who work with him every day.”
Capt. Jim Hilton, assistant chief, will serve as interim chief until a new one has been appointed. That process is expected to take at least three months.
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