The Ouachita Citizen
Today is Thursday, May 23rd, 2013Subscribe Today!
Home · News · Columns · Editorials · Letters to Editor · Sports · Tempo · Obituaries · Public Notices
Main Menu
• Home
• Links of Interest
• Pictorial History
• Polls & Surveys
• Public Notices
• Read Our E-Edition
• Recommend Us
• RSS Feeds
• Search Our Site
• Site Statistics
• Story Archives
• Top 5 Most Popular
• Contact Us

Ads by Google

Current Poll
Should members of the LSU Board of Supervisors disclose who receives their scholarships?
Yes
No
Don't Care
No Opinion

View Results
Story Archives: Fewell says goodbye after 35 years in law enforcement


Fewell says goodbye after 35 years in law enforcement
by Scott Rogers - posted Friday, June 27th, 2008 @ 4:33 pmE-mail Story E-mail Story | Print Story Print Story 
Like old soldiers, old deputies never die, they just fade away.

That was one of the last remarks Sheriff Richard Fewell made as Ouachita Parish's top law enforcement officer, referencing Gen. Douglas MacArthur's famous speech before Congress.

Fewell was joined by hundreds of supporters Friday for his retirement party where they celebrated his 35 years in law enforcement, including his past eight years as Ouachita sheriff.

Fewell said while he may be leaving public service, there's still a lot of work ahead of him. Of course, that work consists mainly of "honey-dos" around the house and playing with his grandchildren. He says he'll get to relax more and do a little fishing. Traveling is on his agenda, too.

"We've got a little motor home and we'll do some traveling, but it may not be too far cause gas has gotten so high," Fewell said. "But, I'm going to enjoy myself. I've got some grandkids playing baseball. I'll find something … I can get in trouble at the house."

"My wife's ready for me to come home," Fewell continued. "I'm 71 years old and I said, 'Well, I'm still in good health, why not enjoy myself for the few years I've got left.' "
Fewell said one of his toughest experiences as sheriff occurred when he took office in 2000. The sheriff's office was short on money, and the administration had to cut salaries and borrow money to make ends meet.

"That was very difficult, and probably the worst thing," Fewell said. "But we finally got our tax, and the support was strong. I think that's evidence of the quality of work that the men and women here do. I'm very proud of them."

Fewell said he is proud of Ouachita Parish's criminal justice system, and he's happy his friend, Maj. Royce Toney, will be the one taking over as sheriff next week. Toney's term begins July 1.

"I'm proud for him, and I think he'll do a great job," Fewell said of Toney.

"He's got some great men and women here and all he has to do is come in and take off," Fewell said. "The criminal justice system is changing all the time, but he's been there for a long time and he understands it."

Toney described Fewell as a "real asset to this community."

"Sheriff Fewell and I were detectives together 33 years ago, and he's taught me a lot," Toney said. "Once he became sheriff, he really blossomed."

"He was a great leader, and he's been a real asset to this community," Toney added.

He touted Fewell's accomplishments, including the addition of the office's SCAT team and the new training center and rifle range in western Ouachita.

"It's just an honor to follow suit behind him," Toney said. "It's going to be some big shoes to follow. He's a fine fellow, and he deserves some time off. He served his time on the streets, and we all know he wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth - he's earned everything he's got, and he's earned his retirement, so now it's time for him to enjoy it."
Search Our Site

Advertising

Local Weather
© 2002-2013 The Ouachita Citizen - All Rights Reserved
Web Site Design by Panther Networks, Inc.