Running for Office: Gonzales Police Chief
GONZALES — Duane Carpenter has set his sights on the top spot at the Gonzales Police Department.
Carpenter, a former sergeant who spent the past 12 years working as a full-time officer with the department, qualified last week as one of three candidates in the police chief race. The Democrat is joined by Republican Glynn LeBlanc and incumbent Democrat Chief Sherman Jackson.
Carpenter began his career as a reserve police officer in 1995 and became a full-time patrolman in 2000. He was promoted to corporal in 2009 and sergeant in 2010 before recently resigning to run for chief.
“I am a law enforcement professional dedicated to service and committed to my community with the experience and readiness to respond to the community in times of crisis, confusion and fear,” Carpenter said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “I have earned the respect of my supervisors, co-workers and the people I have served during the last 18 years. I have put my life on the line for the community I love and am both a dedicated lawman and experienced supervisor who has the knowledge and leadership skills to create a definitive police department with a team of officers who will be determined to aspire to a higher level of accomplishment.”
He became the first Gonzales police officer to earn the Knights of Columbus’ “Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” award three times and also was a certified field training officer. He pledged to be a “working chief” who will bring quality training and integrity to the city’s police force.
“It’s time to unite,” Carpenter said. “The Police Department must honor now to protect and serve everyone. We must promise fairness and compassion while maintaining strength and firmness when our safety and livelihood is threatened. This promise must be made on the whole of the department and it’s my task to make this a reality.”