News

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize Deputy Nolan Perot and his K9 partner, Cujo, on successfully completing the 12-week Basic K9 Handler’s Course for patrol operations. Deputy Perot, who brings nearly 9 years of total law enforcement experience — including time in corrections, patrol, and 5 years on SWAT — has now added K9 handler to his service to our parish.

Throughout the course, the team trained in obedience, suspect apprehension, tracking, area and building searches, and real-world deployment scenarios. On the final day, Deputy Perot and Cujo completed a one-mile track — unknown to the handler with only a possible direction of travel — with precision and success. This accomplishment reflects the discipline, commitment, and trust required to form a strong K9 team.

On April 16th, we celebrated North DeSoto High School students who are taking the next step toward bright futures as they commit to high-wage, high-demand career pathways during National CTE Signing Day.

Just like student- athletes signing scholarships, these students are officially signing with industry partners — launching their professional journeys with purpose and confidence.

Through our CTE paid internship program, these students have already gained valuable, hands-on experience in real-world settings. Signing Day represents the culmination of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

We are proud to see our students living out our core values and preparing to make an impact in our community and beyond.

Over the weekend, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office sent a team of 12 volunteers to take part in the statewide Love the Boot cleanup effort, focusing on Highway 3015. In a short time, the group collected over 30 bags of trash — making a visible difference in an area many of us travel every day.

This is just one example of the pride our deputies and staff take in serving DeSoto Parish, both on and off duty. We’re thankful for the opportunity to give back to the community we call home!

Crystal Burns, an Edward Jones financial advisor in the community, recently received the firm’s Goodknight Plan Completion Award for her efforts to provide a greater level of service to her clients while helping the firm continue its steady growth. She was one of only 1,491 financial advisors firm wide to receive the award.

The two-year Goodknight Program allows a veteran financial advisor to mentor a newer financial advisor and transition some clients and their accounts, with the goals of improving client service for every client and growing the Edward Jones branch network. The program started in 1978 when then-financial advisor Jim Goodknight pioneered the process and forever changed the way Edward Jones does business.

Burns’ office is located at 403 Polk Street in Mansfield.

DeSoto EMS is honored to be recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the lifesaving work our team does every day.

Our providers at DeSoto Parish EMS remain committed to delivering the highest level of care to our community — especially in critical moments when it matters most. The recent implementation of our prehospital blood transfusion program is just one example of how training, teamwork, and clinical excellence are helping us turn potential tragedies into lives saved.

We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in their greatest time of need. This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism, and compassion our providers bring to every call.

Thank you to NHTSA for the acknowledgment and continued support of EMS systems across the country. (continued on Page 2)

On April 13, 2026 at approximately 7:10pm, deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office were alerted to a stolen vehicle entering DeSoto Parish near the Louisiana/ Texas state line in Logansport area. Patrol Deputy Jerek Lewis was soon able to locate the vehicle traveling north on Highway 5, just north of Horn Road, and initiated a traffic stop using lights and sirens. The driver then refused to stop and accelerated, reaching speeds in excess of 110mph at times, continuing to travel northbound on Highway 5. Later into the pursuit, occupants of the vehicle were observed throwing an unknown item from the vehicles window.

On this beautiful day in DeSoto Parish, dozens of community members, leaders, and city and parish officials gathered at the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office for the 2026 Light of Hope Ceremony, held in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Presented by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and hosted by DPSO Captain of Investigations Angela Bandy, the ceremony brought together more than 50 attendees to reflect, remember, and stand united in support of the children in our community. Donuts and coffee were also available for guests as they attended the event.

Middle School on her selection to the Teach Plus National Teacher Policy Cabinet (NTPC), a prestigious national leadership cohort.

Ms. Harris will represent DeSoto Parish Schools and the state of Louisiana while helping elevate the voices of educators and students at the federal level— bringing back valuable insight to support our schools and strengthen student success.

DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce that two outstanding educators have been named semifinalists for the Louisiana Department of Education’s prestigious Principal and Teacher of the Year awards. Mr. Brian Anderson, Principal of Stanley High School, and Mrs. Hillary Severin, 5th grade math teacher at North DeSoto Upper Elementary, have each been recognized for their exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact on student success.

“Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Severin represent the very best of our district,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “Whether it’s leading a campus to historic academic growth or making sure every student in her classroom reaches their full potential, they are both making a real difference for our kids. We are so grateful for their dedication to DeSoto Parish Schools.”