Several eyeing job as marshal

Last year’s race for Iberia Parish sheriff was a close one, and things are shaping up for a possible similar campaign for the top law enforcement position in New Iberia.

Three candidates have announced intentions to run for city marshal, an office held for nearly 30 years by incumbent Victor Delcambre.

Delcambre is seeking re-election, but unlike his last re-election bid, this time he will be facing some opposition.

Former New Iberia Police Department officer and Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy Joe Dressell has announced his intention to run for the post, as has former NIPD officer George Hitter II.

Bobby Jackson, a third-place finisher in the sheriff’s race, said he is considering a run.

“It’s definitely something I’ve been thinking about, but I haven’t decided firmly whether I’m going to or not,” Jackson said. “I do definitely think it’s time for something new to happen in (the marshal’s office.)”

State law provides city marshals with the same law enforcement powers as sheriffs, albeit within the city limits.

The city marshal also serves as the executive officer of the city court, responsible for serving notices, summonses and arrest warrants issued by the court, as well as collecting fines and providing courtroom security.

Delcambre, 74, has served as New Iberia City Marshal since 1979. He previously served as chief civil deputy under then-Iberia Parish Sheriff G. Jerry Wattigny.

Delcambre said he is proud to have collected “millions of dollars” for the city over the years. He said there has never been any shortages or irregularities in his office’s budget during his time as marshal.

“I never had to go before the City Council to ask for money to run my office,” he said. “And I plan to keep running it as it is, without any added expense to the taxpayers.”

Delcambre said he also plans to continue to offer “professional, courteous service” to city residents. He employs five part-time deputy marshals, many of whom are retired police officers.

“My intention is keeping the office like it should be,” he said.

Dressell, 48, has spent the last 20 years in law enforcement, including 10 years with the New Iberia Police Department. He works as a compliance officer for Cypress Bayou Casino, in addition to part-time duties with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Dressell said he first decided to run for city marshal during the last election six years ago. He said he would have run then, but decided not to when Delcambre told him he would be seeking another term.

“I enjoy law enforcement and being able to help people,” he said. “Everybody has a niche in life and law enforcement is mine.”

Dressell said one of his first priorities as marshal would be to sit down with sheriff-elect Louis Ackal and discuss better ways to coordinate the two agencies. He said there are a number of warrants being turned over to the sheriff’s office that should be served by the city marshal’s office.

“A lot of these things that I’m doing now through the sheriff’s department should be being done by the city marshal’s office, but they’re not,” he said.

Dressell said he would eventually like to hire two full-time deputy marshals to assist him.

He said he would also like to expand some of the duties of the city marshal’s office to include traffic enforcement and school resource work.

Hitter announced his intention to run for city marshal last year, but could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Hitter worked 13 years with the New Iberia Police Department before serving in the Iraq War.

The city marshal election is Oct. 4. Qualifying begins July 9.