The St. Mary Parish Sheriff, Mark Hebert, has officially announced that he will retire as of January 8, 2018.

The Sheriff says he will spend that time helping his wife focus on a serious illness.

Who will take the reigns? The current Criminal Chief Deputy Sheriff Scott Anslum will take the post of Sheriff.

Anslum has more than 3 decades in law enforcement, and he has being serving six years with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office.

Hebert says he is sad to be leaving his post, but he wants to focus on his wife, Jill.

He adds,
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Sheriff. I announce my retirement with a heavy heart. As many of you know, my wife, Jill, is battling a serious illness and as much as I love being your Sheriff, I feel it is my place to spend as much time supporting and being with her as this time.

I am grateful for the outpouring of support I have received from the people of St. Mary Parish and the dedicated members of the Sheriff's Office, who understand and support my decision. Jill and I are very thankful for the prayers and support we have received."

The Sheriff says he is confidant that Anslum has the skills to do the job of Sheriff, and he knows his the department will come together to support the interim Sheriff.

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