Eddie Langlinais sworn in as new Vermilion Parish Sheriff

ABBEVILLE, KATC – For the first time in 20 years, Vermilion Parish has a new sheriff. Eddie Langlinais, of Delcambre, was sworn in Monday.

He is now the fourth sheriff in 60 years to hold the position in the parish after winning in November by 62% of the vote against his challenger Lance Broussard.

As he dons his new badge, Langlinais tells me his top priority is investigating crimes in real time through an investigative support unit.

“We're going to be using technology, like cameras and license plate readers, throughout the parish. It helps investigators stop crimes faster,” he said.

Langlinais takes office at a pivotal moment. As of July 4, Louisiana law will allow any person 18 years of age or older, licensed to possess firearms under federal and state law, to carry a concealed firearm on their person without a permit.

Langlinais said he agrees with the changes as long as gun owners follow the laws. “I agree with the law on carrying guns in public, the only thing I hope is that people will have to be educated on this subject. It's not just a right for everyone to go get a gun and be happy, there are still restrictions,” he said.

His career in law enforcement spans more than three decadesLanglinais began working at the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office as a patrol deputy and patrol sergeant from 1981 to 1983. From 1984 to 1991, he worked at the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office as a homicide patrol supervisor.

From 1991 to 2015, he was one of two people from Louisiana to serve in the United States Marshals.

Community members, law enforcement and friends like former U.S. Marshals Service Director Donald Washington gathered to congratulate Langlinais on his new journey.

“When he decided to run, I was very supportive of him because I think he's a great leader. He's a man of compassion and courage and bravery, everything you could want, not only in law enforcement, but in a sheriff,” Washington said.

Langlinais hopes his new crime unit will change the future of the parish.

“It allows us to track vehicles or know what vehicles have been in certain areas, which may be high crime areas, so we can find those vehicles and track them down more quickly, to perhaps prevent further crime from occurring,” he said.