By Pat Culverhouse

Retired Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office personnel were on the receiving end of valuable information during a special event Monday hosted by Sheriff Jason Parker.

Parker said Monday’s gathering was not only to give retired officers an update on legal issues and matters affecting their benefits, but also a way to say “thank you” for the service they performed during their active status.

“We wanted to do something special to recognize the people who laid the foundation for the Sheriff’s Office as we know it today,” Parker said. “We decided to combine an information session with a nice luncheon to show how much we appreciate what you have done for the office and the people you served.”

Capt. Joel Thomas and Deputy Jeremy Haas outlined laws in Louisiana and other states governing “conceal and carry” requirements for retired law enforcement officers.

Parker also shared the Sheriff’s Office plans for the future, including the new firing range and facilities plus lending assistance to the parish police jury to help fund a prison for female inmates on the site of the old penal farm.