Bourgeois to bow out after sheriff’s term

Terrebonne Parish Sheriff L. Vernon Bourgeois Jr., has announced that he will not seek reelection to the job he has held for one term following the retirement of former Sheriff Jerry Larpenter.

At 52, Bourgeois has worked with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office since 1982. His rising through the ranks included jobs in the detective bureau, with the DARE program, as a command officer and in human resource activities.

In a public letter, Bourgeois said he was proud of having been able to raise deputy employment standards and expand services to citizens both in the field and through an Internet program during his time as sheriff.

“Such service has come with a price,” Bourgeois said. “I am simply tired and overwhelmed of the 24-hour a day commitment and have chosen not to seek re-election at the end of this term and look forward to retirement.”

Coffee shop conversation on Bourgeois’ announcement was one of both surprise and support of the popular sheriff’s decision. Those questioned thought he deserved time off after three decades of law enforcement work.

“I can certainly understand where he is coming from,” said Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis, who admitted his surprise at Bourgeois’ decision. “Being on the top of a department there is a lot of weight on one’s shoulders. I definitely can relate to that.”

Bourgeois did not give any indication as to what he intends to do after the first of the year when his term comes to an end.

“We have worked well together [and under his leadership] we have a very good working relationship with the sheriff’s office,” Duplantis said. “That’s something we want to continue.”