Gonzales leaders sworn in during inauguration ceremony

Michael Tortorich

Barney Arceneaux, left, addresses the crowd at the Gonzales Civic Center Friday after he was sworn-in as the city's new mayor. Sherman Jackson, right, was sworn-in as the city's new police chief.

Several long-time Gonzales leaders ceremonially passed the torch to their successors during Friday’s inauguration at the Gonzales Civic Center.

Barney Arceneaux was sworn-in as the city’s new mayor, succeeding eight-term mayor Johnny Berthelot, who was first elected to lead Gonzales in 1984.

Sherman Jackson officially became the city’s first African-American police chief, succeeding four-term chief Bill Landry.

The five members of the Gonzales City Council – Kirk Boudreaux, John Cagnolatti, Terance Irvin, Kenny Matassa and Joe Waguespack – also took the oath. Justice of the Peace John Hebert and Constable Danny Thibodeaux were sworn-in as well during the ceremony.

Complete coverage of the Gonzales inauguration will be published in the Tuesday, January 6 edition of the Gonzales Weekly Citizen.