Broussard named new police chief for Forrest City
Lee delays retirement to help department through transition
A new police chief has been named for Forrest City.
Mayor Cedric Williams announced today that he has selected Ronald Broussard to replace retiring police chief Deon Lee.
Broussard was one of three finalists for the position, which is appointed by the mayor. The other finalists were Forrest City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division Lt. Eric Varner and Dr. Paul Lilly of Texas.
Currently, Broussard is a captain with the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Department.
“Capt. Broussard brings a high degree of management experience and a strong commitment to the well-being of Forrest City. I am happy to welcome someone of his caliber to the position,” said Williams in a press release issued this morning.
Broussard will begin serving as the department’s assistant chief on June 20, working alongside Lee, who agreed to delay his retirement in order to help Broussard through the transition.
Lee will retire on Aug. 1, instead of his original retirement date of July 1, at the request of Williams. “Chief Lee continues to prove his concern and dedication for this area by his willingness to stay onboard to help with the transition,” said Williams in the press release. “The additional time will give Capt. Broussard time to work with Chief Lee and make for a smoother transition.
“With the recent increase in violence throughout the city, it is important to have a level of consistency in the police department.” Williams said.
Broussard said he is excited about this “brand new opportunity” and is already making plans for the department.
“I’ve already done a bunch of recruiting. I have five officers for sure and possibly one other, from my day one, who are people I’ve known,” said Broussard. “I want us to be a tri-county, as it will, police force. This is our city, but you cannot be successful without the county or the State Police.”
Broussard said he participated in directed patrols throughout the city over the weekend during which a curfew was also being enforced.
“We blanketed the city and did some good work,” said Broussard. “Our job is to get the guns off the streets and out of the hands of all of these juveniles.”
Broussard said he also plans to focus attention on local gangs and criminal activity.
“We have a huge problem with gangs. A lot of people who live here don’t know we have a bunch of gangs in this town. It’s time to do something about it. If we don’t do something about it, it’s going to do something about us,” said Broussard. “We have to take our streets back, and the manner in which we have to reclaim them may not be as nice as the things that have been done in the past. We may have to be a little more forceful.”
Broussard said he also wants to focus on community policing with neighborhood watches and talking to residents about ways they can help police fight crime.