With his wife and two sons alongside, former Chief Deputy, Brent Barnett, took a ceremonial Oath of Office administered by Jackson Parish Clerk of Court Laura Culpepper on Tuesday, November 18th, commemorating his becoming the 72nd Sheriff in the history of Jackson Parish. 

Barnett, who was officially appointed to the office on Friday, November 14th, following the retirement of six-term Sheriff, Andy Brown, followed by thanking those in attendance at the North Hodge Assembly of God sanctuary, which included many representatives of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, local dignitaries, and family members that included his mother, Lori, and father, Dewain Barnett. 

“Our mission is to protect and serve our parish with integrity, courage, and unity through lawful, professional service that builds trust, strengthens one another, and safeguards our community,” said Barnett in an address to the audience. 

“This is a responsibility that we bear, not only to the parish and one another, but a responsibility that has been given to us by God himself,” continued Barnett to fellow JPSO members.

“Together we move forward as one parish, one team, and with one mission,” concluded the new Sheriff. 

Barnett assumes the prestigious office of public service after over 32 years in law enforcement in Jackson Parish, having held positions of Criminal Patrol, Shift Supervisor, Canine Handler, SRT Coordinator, Criminal Investigations, jail operations, and, most recentl,y Chief Deputy. 

A lifelong resident of Jackson Parish, Barnett graduated from Weston High School before receiving a degree from Louisiana Tech University. He is also a U.S. Army Sergeant Major Academy graduate.

Barnett also served our country with honor, being a combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom, before retiring from the Louisiana National Guard in 2015 as the 225th Engineer Brigade Command Sergeant Major.