Kaplan Police Chief not running for fourth term

By Judy Mire

KAPLAN – Kaplan Chief of Police Steve Perry has announced he will not be seeking a fourth term in office.

“After much thoughtful consideration,” said Perry. “I have made the decision not to seek re-election for the position of Chief of Police for the City of Kaplan.”

Perry has approximately 31 years of service to the city, 12 of these as Chief of Police.

“I have graciously been allowed to serve as a police officer and chief by the voters of this great city. I will always be dedicated to you who have opened your homes to me during my campaigns and who have supported me.

“I have never refused to help anyone. Some I could help, others I could not, but not because I did not try.

“Times change and we are forced to deal with these changes. My ambition was always to ‘protect and serve’. Some of these changes have affected my ability to adequately provide the service to this community that I would like.

“For this reason, I have decided to not to seek re-election. I want to thank the people of Kaplan for having confidence in my ability to serve as a public official for the past three terms. I will always be grateful to this city and the people who live here.”

Perry began his law enforcement career as a dispatcher for the department in the early 70’s.

He worked his way up by becoming certified to be a patrol officer, then detective. He was later promoted to Captain, then assistant chief.

In 1998, he decided to throw his hat into the political arena by running for Chief of Police and won.

“I am most proud of becoming part of Kaplan’s history by winning three consecutive terms,” said the Perry. “This was a major accomplishment as I am the only chief to do so since the late 1930’s when Johnny Fletcher served for more than three terms consecutively.”

During his tenure, the Chief said the department handled countless incidents, but three remain most memorable for him.

The first happened Mardi Gras morning in 1999.

“At 1 a.m. this guy began shooting his gun at the police officers. No one was after him, he just began firing his weapon. The officers returned the fire and he was shot. Thankfully, none of our officers were hurt.”

In 2001, a KPD officer was shot with his own weapon. Case was turned over to La. State Police who apprehended a suspect, later released and District Attorney dismissed charges.

Suspect sued the city for $750,000.

“The city carried only a $500,000 policy,” Perry said. “That made the officer and me responsible for $250,000.”

The lawsuit was dismissed.

The most recent was the widespread damage to the city during Hurricane Lilli in October 2002.

“Not only did people and businesses have to deal with damage to their property, a lot of generators were being stolen.”

Along with dealing with all the issues that come with being police chief, Perry feels that his accomplishments during his tenure has helped the department tremendously.

In less than a month after taking office, he was able to obtain a $200 month pay raise for his officers, while also adding more officers per shift.

He added a narcotics officer to the detective division, who later served with the Vermilion Parish Narcotics Task Force.

In 2007, after receiving a heavy volume of complaints, he fought for, and was able to obtain, an ordinance mandating all bars to close at 2 a.m. in the city limits.

Wanting more protection for his officers, he purchased bulletproof vests and tasers with donations from the Kaplan Police Association and private donations.

During his three terms as chief, there have been no unsolved homicides.

While still weighing his options after retirement, Perry said he is considering working part-time in order to accommodate his hunting hobbies and spending time with his wife and grandchildren.

He and his wife, Kathy, have three children and five grandchildren.