Bourgeois takes the oath

Vernon Bourgeois, who has worked for the sheriff’s office in various capacities for 26 years, was sworn in as Terrebonne Parish sheriff Monday evening at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center following a primary win in October.

He succeeds Jerry Larpenter, who decided not to seek re-election, opting to run for the parish president’s seat after serving as sheriff for 21 years.

Dressed in a dark suit and powder-blue tie, Bourgeois took the oath of office from John Weimer, an associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court from Thibodaux. Weimer wore judicial robes.

“The election was long and tough,” Bourgeois said. “We traveled the parish. Terrebonne is a great place to work and live.”

The new sheriff began his career as a road deputy before advancing to road commander. He then served two years each as a detective and crime lab technician.

Bourgeois worked as Larpenter’s second in command for the past four years. Calling Larpenter his friend, he said he decided to run for sheriff several years ago when Larpenter talked of retirement.

“You do your job, you do it good, you get the work done,” Bourgeois announced as his motto.

“Many people don’t realize how great a place Terrebonne Parish is to live,” he said. “We do the best we can to protect Terrebonne Parish.”

Bourgeois was accompanied onstage by his wife and two sons, as well as District Attorney Joseph Waitz and Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell, among others.

Waitz said, “I believe Vernon Bourgeois will be an awesome sheriff.”

Jeanne Bourgeois watches as her husband, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Vernon Bourgeois, is sworn into office Monday by Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John Weimer. * Photo by KEYON K. JEFF