Referring to a charter written in the 1800s by the town officials of Madisonville, Mayor Peter Glitz appointed Sgt. David I. Smith as Madisonville's new police chief. The appointment comes on the heels of the retirement of Charles Biggers, chief of the Madisonville Police Department since 1997.
Smith, a popular choice among the department, has maintained a close relationship with Biggers since transferring to the Madisonville Department nine years ago from the Abita force. Former Abita Springs Police Chief David Root was in the audience Wednesday night to support Smith's appointment to the top position.
 Retiring Madisonville Police Chief Charles Biggers, left, stands with Mayor Peter Gitz, center and newly appointed Chief of Police David Smith. Biggers officially retires Oct. 1. (Staff Photo by Leslie Ackel) |
"Ya'll have made a good move," Biggers, a 24-year-veteran of law enforcement said of his replacement. "He'll fill the bill."
Smith, 46, originally from New Orleans, officially moves up from the rank of sergeant to the position of town marshal, the title designated in the 100-year-old town charter.
However, since that time the department, with it's current total of 16 officers and patrolmen, have switched from the marshal's office criteria to the police department.
After graduating from East Jefferson High School, Smith began his work in law enforcement as a rookie in the Kenner Police Department under Chief Sal Lentini. With the Kenner department he worked in the narcotics division and with the Alcohol Tobacco Fire Arms and Explosives Agency and the United States Customs agency.
He moved to the Northshore 14 years ago, where he worked with Root at the Abita Police Department.
When asked his feelings on the new position, Smith said, "I'm thrilled and honored. I never thought I'd be a chief of police."
Smith, an avid history enthusiast, added he's interested in the history of Madisonville and "couldn't ask for a better place to serve."
"I love living here. I know everybody, and they know me," he said. "It's been a great experience working here with Chief Biggers."
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Comments
Ralph Lindfors wrote on Aug 16, 2008 1:10 PM:
Few nights before I won 1400$ from the casino, and had 600$ in my wallet to deposit in the bank. I do not carry my wallet with THAT much money around in my pocket. It was in the center console of my truck as always.
I guess they needed some more evidence.
Kind of shady. Well i hope they had a great time with my 600$!Don't you love police men? =) "