Sheriff Craig Webre has announced several promotions and staffing changes at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“Every few years, we have a shakeup with leadership, mostly due to retirements,” said Sheriff Webre. “Like everyone else, we are looking at 2021 as a ‘fresh start’ in many areas. This round of promotions establishes new leadership in various roles and helps frame the future of this agency.”

Most notably, Lafate Day has been promoted to the rank of Major as head of the Criminal Department. Day, who has served at LPSO for 28 years, most recently served as Captain and director of the Training Academy. He takes over for Bud Dill, the former Chief Deputy who had served in the department head role on a temporary basis following the promotion of Roy Gros to Chief Deputy in the summer of 2020. Additionally, Kevin Johnson has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will replace Day as director of the Training Academy.

Longtime commander of the Narcotics Section, John Champagne, has been promoted to the rank of Captain. Champagne, a 22-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, will supervise the Operational Support Division which includes such sections as Communications and School Services. Captain John Champagne takes over for Captain Josh Champagne who will now supervise the Uniform Patrol Division. Captain Chad Shelby, who has overseen the Patrol Division since 2014, will return to his former role as Captain of the Investigations Division.

Brennan Matherne, who has served as Public Information Officer since 2011, has been promoted to rank of Captain. Matherne will maintain his role as PIO, and he will assume additional duties as supervisor at the South Lafourche Substation in Cut Off.

Jennifer Knight has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the School Services Section. She will supervise all school resource officers and D.A.R.E. officers. Knight replaces Lt. Nolan Smith who is retiring with more than 30 years of service.

Lesley Hill, who serves as Accreditation Manager, has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Charles Todaro has also been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant at the Transitional Work Program. William Hand has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Animal Control Section.