![]() Sheriff Coriell chose to retire in 1974, after serving 26 years in law enforcement. Richard Coriell became Sheriff in 1972, after serving as Chief Deputy for 24 years under Sheriff Waguespack. These skills proved beneficial in promoting a climate of industrial and economic growth in the parish. As his reputation grew, so did his capability. He was so adept at handling race relations that a feature article was done on him in “Ebony” magazine. His was one of the few parishes to handle this volatile time in American history with a minimum of disruptions and virtually no violence. Perhaps his greatest achievement came when Waguespack exhibited supreme management and operational abilities in the handling of the federally mandated desegregation laws in the early 1960s. ![]() It was evident to all that there was a “new sheriff in town”, a fact that led Hickley to six subsequent reelections. By 1949, he had effectively shut down the gambling rings, significantly curbed crime in the parish, and created an atmosphere of safety among parish citizens. He was introduced to the political world in the midst of corruption developed during the “Old Regime”, when the parish was infested with organized crime and rampant gambling. ![]() During his 24 year tenure, Sheriff Waguespack increased his staff from a few deputies to a well trained force of more than 50 law enforcement professionals. It was big news, for example, when in 1954, Sheriff Waguespack gave the directive that all deputies would dress in uniform as a way to help professionalize the department’s image. Even though it had grown considerably, Ascension was still designated as a rural parish and the issues facing law enforcement were still in many ways elementary. Hickley Waguespack’s election in 1948 marked a revolutionary change in the manner in which the department was organized. The so called “modern era” for the parish, as well as for its sheriff’s department, began with the election of a man who ran for the office almost as an afterthought. He became involved in law enforcement again and retired in 1960 as a Deputy Sheriff. Gonzales became Postmaster in the Town of Gonzales until 1956. Gonzales was a Deputy Marshall for the Town of Gonzales. He was the first member of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office to attend the prestigious F.B.I. Lester Gonzales followed with yet another 12 year stint from 1936 to 1948 and was Chief Deputy for four years prior to becoming Sheriff. He also served the parish as Registrar of Voters and Justice of the Peace. Mire served with the Louisiana State Police. Victor Mire served as Sheriff from 1932 to 1936. Sheriff Richard also served as Mayor of Donaldsonville for one term and was at one time Postmaster of Donaldsonville. Sheriff Richard retired as Sheriff in 1932. Prior to becoming Sheriff in 1920, George Richard served as Chief Deputy for several years under Sheriff Edward C. George Richard also served a 12 year term. Martin, along with serving as President of the Lafourche Levee Board before becoming Sheriff. Sheriff Edward Hanson, whose 12-year term in office began in 1908, served as Chief Deputy for 9 years under Sheriff Sam St. Martin served 17 years, starting in 1891. Peter Jones served 12 years, starting in 1876 and Sam St. Hubert Treille served 19 year tenure, starting in 1827, while John Comstock served 13 year tenure, beginning in 1846. ![]() Many fine men dealt with the increase in population and the ever-increasing demand for effective law enforcement during these formative years with several of them having extended years of service and multiple terms in office. ![]() Through the years, the population of the parish grew steadily as more people and more cultures discovered the bountiful hunting and fishing and rich farm lands available to support their families in Ascension Parish. It was an appointed office and Walter Mears served as the first exclusive Sheriff for Ascension. The Office of Parish Sheriff was created on March 16, 1810. This official, Edward Turner, became ex-officio judge of probate, clerk, sheriff and notary for the parish of Ascension. The office of county judge was abolished and the office of parish judge was created. In 1807, the Orleans territory was sub-divided into nineteen parishes with Ascension becoming one of the original parishes of Louisiana. In 1805, the first county officials were named and Gaspar Dubuys was appointed the first district sheriff. These parishes were known as the First and Second Acadian Coast. The county of Acadia, comprised of the parishes of Ascension and St. A year later, on December 4, 1804, the Orleans Territory was divided into twelve counties. On December 20, 1803, France formally transferred the Louisiana territory to the United States and the American flag at last flew over Louisiana and the pioneer settlers of the Catholic Church Parish of Ascension. ![]()
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