After a law enforcement career of almost 40 years, Ouachita Parish Sheriff Jay Russell announced his retirement effective June 30, 2024. During his time as Sheriff, Russell oversaw numerous upgrades and improvements including the creation of the North Delta Regional training academy which trains officers from over 12 parishes, but Russell said,
“The men and women I work with I’m most proud of, and I couldn’t ask for any better people to work with and be associated with than those at this department.”
Russell began his career with the OPSO at the Ouachita Correctional Center, served with two police departments, four years as Chief Deputy, and was sworn in as sheriff in July of 2012. Russell said everything he did was in service of his community.
“And not only did I serve them, but they supported us every step of the way, and the upgrades that we’ve done couldn’t have be done without them and the support from the community, so I wanted to thank them for that.”
Although Sherriff Russell will not officially retire until 2024, he will not seek re-election in the October primary. Russell endorsed his Chief Deputy Marc Mashaw as his replacement. Mashaw has spent the last 11 years as Chief Deputy and Russell says has all the experience needed to be Sherriff of Ouachita Parish.
“Everything that we’ve done here, he’s been on the ground floor with me, and I don’t know of anybody better prepared to take this position than him at this point in time.”
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