Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19. Howard was Sheriff for 24 years. Current Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft remembers his predecessor as one to constantly be involved in the community.
“He was a helper. He was always helping people. He had an open-door policy. Everybody came in and out with there problems and he always tried to see to them the best that he could,” said Craft.
Following a few years of retirement from law enforcement, Howard was elected to be a state representative and served three terms in that position before being termed out in 2019. Craft says Howard became a fixture in the area’s political circle.
“He was always accessible and was always, while in the House of Representatives, a staunch law enforcement supporter. He was somewhat of a political icon in our area,” said Craft.
Craft says Howard had a soft spot in his heart for the elderly community. As Sherrif, Howard started the triad program to assist seniors with their health transportation needs.
“We still do that to this day, transporting seniors to hospitals that don’t have a ride, things of that nature. He was a people person. He believed in being accessible to the public. He knew that the bottom line was, he was working for the public,” said Craft.
Governor Edwards will order flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Howard at the State Capitol and other state buildings the day he is laid to rest.
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