Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton announces his sixth term as sheriff will be his last as he will not pursue re-election. Hilton, whose father also served as a sheriff, has grown up around law enforcement, and says the decision to leave the profession was not an easy one.
“It’s a bittersweet decision but there comes a time when you need to move on. I’m 74 years old. I’d like to have a few years at the end of my tour to do a few things that I’d like to do,” said Hilton.
Hilton was elected sheriff in 1992, serving four terms before retiring. Then he came back out of retirement for two more terms. Hilton said he intends to stay retired this time.
“This is it. I’m ending a career here. February 1, next year, will be 50 years, minus the four that I was out that time when I retired,” said Hilton.
Hilton said of all the accomplishments he’s achieved in law enforcement, he’d like for his dedication to school safety be the highlight of his legacy.
“We were one of the first, or the first the department in the state, to put an officer in every school. If I’m remembered for anything, that’s what I’d like to be remembered for,” said Hilton.
He says the next sheriff’s biggest challenge will be dealing with a growing drug problem.
