My name is Olander “Smitty” Smith and I am asking for your support and vote to become your next
Sheriff of Washington Parish. I have pondered the question of running for Sheriff for months. With the encouragement of a number of law enforcement colleagues and personal friends, I came to the conclusion we need a new direction and change in Washington Parish if we truly want to be a safe, secure, and special place to raise our families. I am fully invested, professionally and personally, in the well-being of our parish and its future.
I was born and raised in Washington Parish. This is home for me and my family. I am married to Elisa Williams-Smith and we have six children and 12 grand-children. I started my 33-year law enforcement career with Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) in 1977. From there I became a State Trooper with the Louisiana State Police (LSP) in 1979. I rose from Trooper to commander of Troop L in Mandeville and was eventually promoted to commander for Region 1, consisting of Troops A, B, C, and L; encompassing 23 parishes. During my career with the LSP I spent time not only as a Trooper, but I also served with the Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) Team; served as a narcotics sergeant; oversaw the Concealed Handgun Permit Unit; supervised the communications center; commanded the Technical Support Unit; and oversaw the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information. I decided to retire in 2010; however, Sheriff Randy Seal personally requested I serve as a Deputy Chief, again with the WPSO. I served there from 2012 until 2015, at which time, due to differences of opinions, I resigned. At the request of the Mayor and City Council of Franklinton I again came out of retirement to become Chief of Police for the City of Franklinton until 2019. I now want to serve the citizens of this great parish in a larger capacity. I am committed to the well-being of this parish and its citizens. This is why I want to be your Sheriff.
Along with my professional career and family, I am an active member of various community groups and organizations, such as Louisiana State Troopers’ Association, Magnolia State Peace Officer Association, Washington Men’s Club, Louisiana Chiefs’ of Police Association, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Eureka Lodge #27 Prince Hall Mason. Additionally, I am a member of the boards for the Washington / St. Tammany Electric Co-op, Franklinton Area Economic Development Foundation, and the Washington Parish 911 Board. I have also previously been a member of the Washington Parish Fair Association, Washington Parish Gas District #2, and the Central State Troopers’ Association.
Our deputies do an amazing and thank-less job. However, they could benefit from strategic guidance that only experienced and dedicated leadership can provide. I bring over 33-years of full-spectrum law enforcement experience as well as command expertise to provide our dedicated deputies with strategic guidance, supervision, and commitment as well as I promise to always serve as an example of integrity and discipline so that they can better serve the parish.
My name is Olander “Smitty” Smith and I am asking for your support and vote on 12 October 2019 to become your next Sheriff of Washington Parish.
Experience * Integrity * Commitment