Shreveport, LA – According to the CPSO officials, Jay Long was sworn in as Caddo Parish’s 24th sheriff during a ceremony today at Government Plaza.
The former chief deputy for the Sheriff’s Office took his oath of office from Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Craig Marcotte before a group of family, friends, and co-workers. He was accompanied by his wife, Kathy.
Long follows Steve Prator in office who retired before his sixth term expired to accept a state appointment to the Louisiana Board of Pardons.
Prator’s last day was February 29.
Long will serve as sheriff until July 1 when the winner of the March 23 sheriff’s election run-off will be sworn into office.
The new sheriff is a resident of Shreveport and graduate of C.E. Byrd High School. He joined the Caddo Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy in 1989 and was hired full-time in 1990.
He has held numerous positions within the Sheriff’s Office, including deputy at the Caddo Detention Center in Springridge, patrolman, detective, and special investigator. He was appointed chief deputy by Prator in 2016.
Long also served many years on the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and Special Response teams. Additionally, he was a state firearms instructor, high risk warrants instructor, and hostage rescue instructor.