From the desk of Sheriff Bobby Guidroz
February is Black History Month, a month we honor the memory, history, and achievements of African-Americans in the United States. At the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office we appreciate all the hard work, dedication, and heroism of all our deputies who serve our communities.
Today we remember the first African-American police officer, Wiley G. Overton. Officer Overton was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and relocated to the north with his brother when he was 16 years old. Years later, Overton was appointed to Brooklyn’s Police Department and sworn in on March 6, 1891. He was given shield #1076 and assigned to the 18th precinct. Although some were irate about the idea of him becoming an officer, Deputy Commissioner Dalton believed Overton was capable of handling his duties. It was through Officer Overton’s persistence, that there should be more African-Americans serve as police officers and today you will find African-American police officers across the country.
The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office’s first African-American deputy was Don Luis Butler under the “Cat” Doucet administration. Butler was assigned to the patrol division in 1952 through 1968. Butler was also the first African-American to run for office after reconstruction and the first to serve on the Opelousas City Council. He served 16 years.
Eunice Police Department’s first African-American police officer was Madilla Hurks Sr. He was hired in the patrol division in November 1953 and held the rank of sergeant. Hurks served the police department until his retirement in July 1973.
Opelousas Police Department’s first African-American police officer was Julius Guillory, who was also a founding member of NOBLE (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives). He was hired by the department in November 1954 and retired as the assistant chief in 1979.
Louisiana State Police first African-American trooper was Ernest Marcelle Jr. His law enforcement career began upon completion of high school in May 1957, when he entered the Louisiana State Trooper Academy in Baton Rouge and graduated in November 1957. His first assignment in 1958 was as a detective for the New Orleans division.