By Pat Culverhouse

Law enforcement, working hand-in-hand with local government entities, is an important factor in providing a safe environment for parish and city residents, Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker told mayors and city officials from cities across the state.

“Crime, emergencies and community challenges do not stop at city limits or ward lines,” Parker said. “That is why we embrace a simple truth: We are stronger together than we could ever be alone.”

Parker spoke during last week’s Small Town Mayor’s Conference at Minden’s Civic Center. The town of Sibley played host to mayors, administrators, town personnel and law enforcement officers where break-out sessions focused on issues facing all small towns.

“The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that no single agency has every resource, skill or perspective,” he said. “By pooling knowledge, manpower and equipment with our partners we multiply our impact and stretch every tax dollar further.”

Parker outlined everyday partnerships which combine to ensure public safety including joint law enforcement efforts, emergency management and disaster response, community and school programs and cooperation on a regional, state and federal level.

“Cooperation is not only about fighting crime, it’s about building opportunity,” Parker said. “None of these goals can be met by one office or one leader alone. They require the unified effort of every town council, every school board member, every state and federal partner and every citizen.”