By Corey Poole

Sheriff Victor Jones was sworn into office Thursday morning, June 23 after a mass at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. He will lead the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for four more years when his new term officially starts July 1.
Outgoing Clerk of Court, Louie Bernard said, “I don’t know anyone who has taken this oath more seriously than the man we swear in this morning. Jones is my friend and a friend of Natchitoches Parish.”

Sheriff Jones spoke to the crowd after he and his deputies recited their oaths. Jones expressed his appreciation toward community members and City officials for their support.

“I woke up at 5 a.m. today thinking about how many faces are no longer with us. They too played a vital part in me being where I’m at today, so in their absence, I thank them,” he said. “I am deeply humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue to lead this office and I thank my deputies for their service.
Jones quoted a psalm of Asaph:

Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

“To me this describes the mission and role of law enforcement officers,” he said. “In my new term I will challenge them to maintain their professional standards of integrity and always be prepared to serve the citizens. I will demand they excel and deliver. I have confidence in you and I’m proud you’re my partners in serving the people of Natchitoches Parish. It’s time to go to work. Let’s go!”