Doug Anderson remembered as dedicated law enforcement officer, public servant

Avoyelles Parish lost one of its long-serving public servants Wednesday when former Avoyelles Parish Sheriff Doug Anderson passed away at the age of 67 after an illness.

   Anderson was elected  as sheriff in 2008, after retiring from the State Police with 25 years of service. He served three terms before being defeated for re-election in 2020 by another former State Police trooper, David Dauzat.

   As sheriff, Anderson focused on improving the use of technology to create a more modern and efficient law enforcement agent. He established a training division to provide POST-certified in-service classes for law enforcement officers.

   In response to concerns over school shootings and other mass shootings in the nation, Anderson held annual "active shooter" exercises to enable law enforcement agencies to practice the procedures to follow in such an incident and to work on coordinating the response by multiple agencies that would be involved should the unthinkable actually occur here. His implementation of a school resource officer program was also aimed at improving security in the schools.

REMEMBRANCES

   Several local law enforcement leaders mourned the loss of Anderson as a dedicated law enforcement officer who gave  over 37 years in public service.

   "I worked with Doug when we were both in the State Police," Dauzat said. "I know he worked hard to give back to this parish and make it a better and safer place. It is unfortunate that he passed away so soon after he retired. You should be able to enjoy life after retiring.

   "Putting in 37 years of public service is a commendable achievement," Dauzat continued. "He was a good man who did a lot of good for the people. I can say now that I am in this office that it's a tough job, a rewarding job, but a busy job with a lot coming at you at the same time. He did this job for 12 years. My condolences go out to his family."

    Mansura Police Chief John Johnson said he visited with his longtime friend two days before Anderson died.

   "We were friends ever since I started my law enforcement career 30 years ago," Johnson said. "When he was a state trooper and I was a Mansura police officer we became friends. I learned a lot from him about law enforcement.

   "I ran against him for sheriff twice," Johnson continued, "but it was never personal -- and he knew that. That's why we continued to be friends even during those two election campaigns.

   "I considered him a close friend," Johnson said, "and he will be sadly missed."

   Marksville Police Chief Elster Smith was a patrol deputy in Anderson's APSO for four years.

   "I enjoyed working with him," Smith said. "He was a good man. This is a big loss for the parish."

   Hessmer Police Chief Kenneth Smith served in Bill Belt's administration and had retired when Anderson took office.

   Smith worked with Anderson in his capacity as a police chief and considered him to be "a good law enforcement officer. He was elected by the people and served his community to the best of his ability.

   “He was respected by a lot of people,” Smith continued. “I believe he accomplished the goals he wanted to achieve as sheriff."

    Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Rene; two children, Doug Anderson Jr. and Pauline Daigre; and three grandchildren.

    Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday (March 19) in the chapel of Escude Funeral Home of Simmesport. Services will begin at noon with Rev. Carolyn Fletcher officiating. Entombment will be in Christ the King Mausoleum under direction of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie.