BROUSSARD, La. — Broussard Police Chief Branon Decou sent a retirement letter to Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin on Monday following an investigation after a former employee made allegations of sexual harassment.
The letter was also sent to Mayor Ray Bourque, the Broussard City Council and the Broussard Police Department.
According to the letter, Decou's last day as chief will be June 1, 2021.
"After much consideration, I have decided that it is in the best interest of the community and my family that I retire from my position as Chief of Police," Decou writes. "I will take some much needed rest, and allow someone else to take over with a fresh set of ideas that hopefully will continue the forward momentum that our city deserves."
Decou wrote that he was proud to serve more than 20 years as the longest serving elected police chief in Broussard's history.
"I have worked tirelessly for our community and our police department by providing progressive technology and specialized divisions to address our city's needs," he wrote. "I have done my best to create a progressive, professional and dedicated police department that assured its residents, businesses and motorists a safe and secure community."
Decou also cited the the exponential growth and low crime rates seen in Broussard over the last two decades.
Bourque and the council were notified on April 27 that Decou was taking voluntary leave. Decou was to remain on leave until the completion of the investigation to protect its integrity.
Mayor Ray Bourque says that he will be working closely with the city council to determine an interim chief. An election will need to be held to decide the next Chief of Police.
"I received written notice of Chief Brannon Decou’s retirement announcement at 2pm today, effective June 1st. The Broussard Chief of Police is an elected official, and the City Council and I will be working closely together to determine an interim Chief and will make that announcement as soon as we have made our decision. Ultimately, an election will be held, and the citizens of Broussard will decide who the next Chief of Police will be. I have been in constant communication with our police commanders, and I want our City to rest assured that the Broussard Police Department has been running smoothly, actively policing our community, and will continue to do so. It is our sincere desire that our police force and our city move forward with a fresh start and a renewed commitment to each other and to the residents and businesses of Broussard."
Our media partners at the Advocate report that a former employee has made allegations of sexual harassment. To read their story about that, click here.
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