Louisiana Justice to Sheriff Prator: “Job Well Done”

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After more than 50 years serving the residents of Shreveport and Caddo Parish in law enforcement, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator takes his badge off today for the last time.

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in Shreveport and Caddo Parish that doesn't have a funny story, a touching story, or just something positive to say about Sheriff Prator.  And after more than 50 years in law enforcement, that's quite a tribute.

Shreveport Police Department

Steve Prator joined the Shreveport Police Department as a rookie officer in 1973. He worked several divisions during his career at the SPD including homicide, roberry, sex crimes, and narcotics.  Prator was the lead detective on the team responsible for capturing the Highland Rapist, Danny Goodson, in 1981.  Prator was appointed Chief of Police by Mayor Hazel Beard.

KEEL News received phone calls on Thursday morning from listeners sharing stories and thanking Sheriff Prator for his years of service.

"Go Ahead... Make My Day"

One listener shared that Steve Prator's roommate at LSU came in while Prator was watching that "make my day" movie over and over.  When asked what he was doing Prator replied, "I'm going back to Shreveport to become a cop."

Caddo Parish Sheriff

After serving with the Shreveport Police Department for 27 years, he retired from the SPD to seek the office of Sheriff.  He was first sworn in as Caddo Parish Sheriff in the year 2000.

The End of an Era

After having served as Sheriff of Caddo Parish for over 24 years, in June of last year, Prator announced he would not be seeking re-election due to health concerns.  As he was in the middle of his re-election campaign, he then returned all the campaign contributions and suspended his campaign.  Prator later announced his support for Sheriff candidate John Nickelson.

A New Chapter

Prator has accepted an invitation by Governor Jeff Landry to serve on the Louisiana Pardon and Parole Board.  As a Parole Board member Sheriff Prator has to resign early as Parole Board members cannot serve as elected officials.

Chief Deputy Jay Long will step up to serve as Interim Sheriff until June 30th when the new sheriff is sworn in following the Special election March 23rd.

When asked about Sheriff Prator on Thursday morning, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Scott Crichton told KEEL News: 

"Job well done.  I don't think anyone could have done a better job."