By Cyndi Sellers
An Investiture Ceremony was held on Monday, Jan. 11, at the Cameron Courthouse for parish-wide elected officials, hosted by the Cameron Lions Club. Two recently elected officials, 38th Judicial District Court Judge Penelope Richard and District Attorney Tom Barrett were sworn in, and two previously elected officials, Sheriff Ron Johnson and Clerk of Court Susan Racca, who were not able to have a public ceremony in June because of COVID-19 restrictions, were ceremonially sworn in again. Dr. Kevin Dupke, Parish Coroner, was not able to attend.
Master of Ceremonies for the occasions was State representative Ryan Bourriaque, who said, “I find it very fitting that in a year where the resilience and strength of our parish and region were tested that we find ourselves on the front steps of a landmark facility that exhibits both. From COVID-19 to Laura to Delta to losing so many great people of this Parish, what a year of challenges it was.”
Bourriaque introduced Monsignor James Gaddy, Pastor of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, who gave the invocation, and Lions Club member Chad Mudd who led the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests included State Senator Mark Abraham, Assessor-elect Scott Lavergne, Police Jurors Scott Trahan, Thomas McDaniel, and Kirk Quinn, newly appointed Assistant District Attorneys Michael Cassidy and Chelsea Champagne, and families of honorees.
Judge Richard was sworn in by Clerk of Court Susan Racca, assisted by Kaylee Livingston and Jaclyn Richard of the Judge’s staff. District Attorney Tom Barrett was sworn in by Judge Richard, assisted by his wife Tina.
Clerk of Court Susan Racca, assisted by granddaughter Madison Frazier, and Sheriff Ron Johnson, assisted by Chief Deputy Chris Savoie, were ceremonially sworn in by Judge Richard.
At the end of the program, Lions Club President Stephanie Rodrigue presented a plaque to Mrs. Helen Williams and her family in memory of the late Assessor-elect Darrell Williams, who would have been sworn in at this ceremony had he not passed away unexpectedly in December.
A catered luncheon was held immediately following the ceremony on the grounds of the courthouse. The event was coordinated by Lions Club Event Coordinator Patty Boudreaux and Stephanie Rodrigue.