Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington congratulated House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jack McFarland and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Glen Womack on receiving the Louisiana District Attorneys Association’s 2026 Shield of Justice Award.
The award recognizes legislators who demonstrated substantial support for Louisiana’s district attorneys during the previous year and legislative session. McFarland received the award representing the House of Representatives, while Womack was recognized on the Senate side.
McFarland and Womack were instrumental in securing funding for 60 additional state-authorized assistant district attorney positions approved during the 2026 Regular Legislative Session. Act 827 increased the number of assistant district attorney positions statewide, including one new position for the 10th Judicial District in Natchitoches Parish. Funding for the positions was included in House Bill 1, the state’s annual operating budget.
“These two leaders have earned our respect and recognition through tireless work and a personal commitment that extends far beyond the responsibilities of their elected offices,” Harrington said. “Chairmen McFarland and Womack understand that supporting district attorneys means giving us the resources necessary to represent our people, protect victims and make our parishes safer.
“They also understand that when our parishes are safer back home, families can live, work and raise their children while focusing on the opportunities and responsibilities of everyday life. Safer parishes also allow our law enforcement agencies and district attorneys to work more effectively, protect the public and get our jobs done better. That makes Louisiana stronger and better positioned to prosper. I cannot thank them enough for recognizing the needs of district attorneys across our state and standing with us in the work we do every day.”