Livingston Parish Sheriff's Captain retiring | Events

From Livingston Parish Sheriff's office 

Sheriff Jason Ard announces the retirement of Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Ronnie Cotton. Captain Cotton has been a valuable member of the LPSO Family since 1982, serving most recently as 911 Director.

Captain Cotton worked his way up through the ranks over his 30 years with the LPSO. He started his career at the Detention Center, worked as a Road Deputy, Road Shift Supervisor and Communications Supervisor before taking on the responsibility of making sure all 911 calls made in Livingston Parish make it to the 911 center and are properly dispatched. That promotion to Director came in 2005.

Sheriff Ard says, ‘Captain Cotton has truly earned his retirement after being on stand-by 24-hours-a-day, 365 days a year – all for the good of this Parish.’

Captain Cotton’s retirement officially begins on June 1, 2013. That’s when Captain Cotton says, ‘I’ll start spending my free time with my wife. We hope to travel a bit. I still want to be involved in the community and maintain my relationship with my family at the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.’

Before he retires, Captain Cotton will help new hire Jack Varnado transition into his new position as the Director over the LPSO Communications Division.

In 2013, Sheriff Ard merged the offices of the 911 Center and the LPSO. Sheriff Ard says, ‘this was done to save the Parish money on both sides – the 911 District and the LPSO - and it seems to be working.’ Sheriff Ard says the move opened up more opportunities for employees. Ard says, ‘these employees now have access to better pay and retirement.’ With the savings, Sheriff Ard hopes to update equipment to maintain a high-tech system geared toward assisting residents in need. The Sheriff says, ‘I have the utmost confidence that Mr. Varnado will be able to keep the Parish moving forward.’

Varnado comes to the LPSO from the St. Tammany Parish Communications District. Varnado currently serves as Deputy Director. His career highlights include serving as a Safety Instructor for the APCO Institute conducting training courses across the United States and abroad. He also served as a Medical Response Manager for the East Baton Rouge Office of Emergency Preparedness. Varnado was also Chief of Communications, Shift Supervisor and a Communications Training officer with East Baton Rouge EMS.

Varnado, who resides in Livingston Parish with his wife and two children says, ‘I am so excited to be able to bring my experience and knowledge ‘home’ to Livingston Parish. It has been a privilege to work and serve over the years in different areas, but it is an honor to come home and serve the citizens of Livingston Parish.’

Captain Cotton says, ‘Varnado is very knowledgeable about the 911 profession. I believe I’m leaving Livingston Parish in very good hands.’

 

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