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SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

On Friday, Jan 31, 2025, Sheriff Jason Smith presented certificates of commendation to three citizens after they came to the aid of Washington Parish Sheriff’s Deputies following the snow and ice storm last month.

All three citizens were made honorary Sheriff’s Deputies for their spirit of service and their contribution to their fellow residents of the Parish.

Rusty Fornea used his personally owned tractor to scrape ice from the roadway while deputies and recovery vehicles worked to remove stuck vehicles from a ditch on LA HWY 436.

Rodney Miley stopped to pull a fellow motorist from the ditch, and in the process ended up stuck as well. After he called a professional towing service to remove his vehicle, he realized that the other motorists weren’t in a position to pay for recovery and quickly paid for theirs as well.

When Dillon Miller came to the scene where our deputies and a tow truck were recovering multiple vehicles that had slid from the roadway, he volunteered his time to direct traffic around their efforts, ensuring the safety of our deputies, his fellow citizens, and other motorists who were passing the scene.

These three men came to the aid of their fellow citizens, volunteering their time, money, and equipment to safely

recover stuck vehicles during unprecedented road conditions on LA-436. They demonstrated a spirit of service and selfless sense of community, and for their efforts, will from this point forward be honorary Deputies of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Everyone here at the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office appreciates these three men for stepping up and helping out.  If anyone is aware of someone in our community that deserves recognition, please let us know.