DANIEL EDWARDS, Sheriff
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards was sworn in as sheriff on July 1, 2004 and since then he has made some positive changes in the Sheriff's Department.
"I take this job very seriously," said Edwards. "There will be accountability in every aspect of the office. That's from the road deputies to the jail to the office and support staff. By using federal and state grants, we will upgrade and modernize our investigation department, our crime prevention department, our domestic and child abuse department and our patrol division. I'll be an active and visible sheriff."
Edwards is a graduate of Amite High School where he was valedictorian. He graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Louisiana State University in 1990. While at LSU, Edwards was a catcher on Skip Bertman's LSU Baseball Team.
He obtained his law degree from the Loyola University School of Law. During his time at Loyola University School of Law, Edwards was named to the Law Review which is comprised of the top ten percent of law students in each class.
Following law school, Edwards clerked for U.S. District Court Judge A.J. McNamara. In
1994, he returned to Amite to open the Edwards Law Firm.
Prior to running for Sheriff, Edwards served as an Assistant District Attorney for the 21st Judicial District prosecuting felony crimes. As a felony prosecutor, Edwards handled a number of rape, murder and narcotic cases.
"The experience gained by working with local, regional, state and federal law enforcement offices has been invaluable," said Edwards. "I have personally worked with local police departments from Kentwood to Ponchatoula as well as the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force, the State Police and the DEA."
Edwards is a full-time sheriff who will be very involved in the running of the department.
Edwards is married to the former Blair Downing. They have five children: Brandi, Danny, Zachary, Josh and Allie.
"The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Department has the potential to be one of the best departments in the state," said Edwards. "With a determined leader and the commitment of all the sheriff's deputies, we will have a department which will make all of the citizens of Tangipahoa Parish proud."
Professional Associations: Louisiana Sheriff’s Association
National Sheriff’s Association
International Association of Chiefs of Police
Louisiana District Attorney’s Association
National District Attorney’s Association
Civic Associations: Chairman of Fellowship Christian Athletes
7th Ward Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force
Kids Hope-Tutor
Court Appointed Mentor
Amite Rotary Club – Past President
Volunteer Coach
Hammond Junior Auxiliary Man of the Year
Past United Way Board Member
Member First United Methodist Church of Amite
