By Juanice Gray, jgray@natchitochestimes.com
The oldest marshal in the parish, Tony Lodrigue, 81, hung up his badge Jan. 31 and was treated to a surprise retirement party Monday, Feb. 3 at the City Marshal’s offices. Lodrigue began his career in law enforcement May 5, 1969, with the Natchitoches City Police under Chief Boyd Durr. He hired on to the City Marshal’s office Feb. 1, 2003, under then Marshal Alton Rachal.
Tony and his late brother, John, were both City Police officers. John’s sons, Shane and Sean, as well as Sean’s son, Jacob, are all current members of the current City Police force.
Tony is married to Doris Lodrigue.
Lodrigue was presented a wall plaque, desk plaque and other gifts from coworkers and friends. He also received a travel coffee mug to which he responded, “It only took me 49 years to get a coffee cup!” Councilman Don Mims congratulated Lodrigue on 17 years as a dedicated public servant with the Marshal’s office. “I hope you enjoy retirement,” he said. “Relax and take it easy.”
“We will dearly miss Tony,” said Susan Cloutier. “We could set our watches by him. He was always on time at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. that door would open.”
Guests at the party included Judge Fred Geohagan, City Court employees Shenita Gosten, Haley Pate and Cloutier, City Marshal Randy Williams and employees Brittanie Thomas, Decondria Smith and Marcia Guin and Cary Hargrove, City Police officer Sean Lodrigue, former City Marshal Alton Rachal’s wife, Linda Rachal and Connie Lewis, Mims and Gary Swindle.