A celebration was held Tuesday at the St. Landry Parish Sheriff Office in Opelousas to mark Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz’s 10 years as sheriff. Guidroz took the oath of office on Nov. 20, according to a news release from Maj. Eddie Thibodeaux, public information officer.
Howard J. Zerangue, Sr. after serving 26 years as sheriff, retired prior to death. Chief Deputy Laura Balthazar assumed the duties and responsibilities of the sheriff until Nov. 20, 2006, when she and candidates Johnny Barras, Jim Darby and Lambert Castille were defeated by retired State Trooper, Guidroz in a special election.
Guidroz served 2006-2007. A regular election was called in October 2007 and Balthazar (13,265 votes), Barras (180 votes), and Castille (158 votes) challenged Guidroz again. Guidroz won by more than 8,000 votes for term lasting until 2011.
In 2011, Carl Hardy ran for sheriff against Guidroz. Guidroz defeated Hardy in all precincts in the parish in that election.
Guidroz went unopposed in the 2015 election.
On Tuesday sheriff’s employees were served gumbo, potato salad, cake and drink at the St. Landry Parish Safety Complex.