The new sheriff of St. Tammany Parish says he will "provide stability, continuity, and leadership" as he succeeds former sheriff Randy Smith.
Bret Ibert became sheriff upon Smith's resignation at 1 p.m. Wednesday following Smith's guilty plea to charges stemming from a steakhouse scuffle in which he attacked a podcaster who had been critical of him. Ibert was named chief deputy Wednesday morning, less than 24 hours after former chief deputy Jeff Boehm resigned from the post.
Ibert said his job as sheriff is not to "begin a political campaign." Rather, Ibert said he wants to make sure that the next elected sheriff inherits a sheriff's office that is "strong, professional, and fully prepared to continue serving the people of St. Tammany Parish."
According to Ibert, that includes supporting sheriff's office employees, maintaining public trust, and ensuring stability in the office between now and the next sheriff taking office.
To the employees of this agency, I want you to know that my commitment to you is simple: I will provide stability, support, and leadership," Ibert said in a statement. "I will work every day to ensure that you have the resources, guidance, and respect necessary to perform your duties at the highest level.
"To the citizens of St. Tammany Parish, I want to assure you that the mission of this agency remains unchanged. We will continue to protect our neighborhoods, support victims of crime, maintain safe roads, operate a secure correctional facility, and provide the professional law enforcement services that this community expects and deserves."
Ibert asked the residents of St. Tammany Parish to support him and his deputies.
"St. Tammany Parish is a remarkable community," Ibert said. "The Sheriff’s Office is a remarkable agency. Together, we will continue to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and service that have defined us for generations."
