S T I C K E R for Sheriff

From a very young age, Gerald Sticker knew he would build a career in public service After graduating from Ponchatoula High School in 1986, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves, serving for six years that included a 12-month deployment to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm.

“War isn’t all about excitement and heroism like you see in the movies, but sometimes it’s necessary,” Sticker says about that time in his life. “I was honored to serve our country and to represent the brave character of Louisiana, and I made lasting friendships while building my own leadership skills.”

When he was honorably discharged from the USMC, Gerald knew that he wasn’t done serving .

In 1992, he started as a Reserve Police Officer in Mandeville, just a few miles east of where he grew up here in Tangipahoa Parish. For three years, he volunteered his time in service to the people of Mandeville, while working as a welder to make a living In 1995, he became a full-time officer at the Mandeville Police Department.

“Some might think of Mandeville as a small, safe town, and in some ways it is,” Sticker says. “But Mandeville is also the gateway to the Northshore, and it doesn’t stay safe by accident. The Causeway ends there, and if that Police Department isn’t vigilant, crime seeps in and spreads.”

During his career with MPD, Sticker advanced and excelled, being named Chief of Police in 2016 He retired five years later and returned to Tangipahoa, living in Hammond with his wife, Tonia

Last year, Sticker felt called to run for Tangipahoa Sheriff, seeking to replace long-time Sheriff Daniel Edwards, who is retiring next year

“Sheriff Edwards has done a good job for many years, and I’d be very honored to continue improving public safety in my home parish,” Sticker says. “I’ve been working hard, meeting folks all over Tangipahoa, and feeling great momentum I keep hearing that people want change, and I have to say, I’m the only announced candidate who doesn’t come from inside the Sheriff’s Office ”

Some naysayers have said Sticker is too much of an “outsider” to win the election or lead the agency, but Sticker knows that’s not true

“Some people talk about Mandeville like it’s the other side of the world,” Sticker said “It’s only 15 miles from our parish line, and we all know crime doesn’t respect those boundaries. I’ve been across the globe to fight for freedom, but I’ve spent my law enforcement career keeping people safe right here in southeast Louisiana Tangipahoa Parish has always been home, and I’m going to spend the rest of my days here finding ways to serve our community.”