The St. Bernard Parish sheriff announced his retirement on Monday.
Sheriff James Pohlmann will retire after 44 years of service to the parish.
Pohlmann’s official retirement date is Nov. 1.
Chief Deputy Richard Baumy, who brings more than six decades of law enforcement experience, including 42 years with SBSO, will serve as interim Sheriff beginning Nov. 1 until a special election is held.
Pohlmann said his reason for retiring was that the timing was right, and he has all the confidence in Baumy to run the sheriff’s office.
“Serving the people of St. Bernard Parish has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Pohlmann said. “This is my home, and the trust this community has placed in me for so long has meant more than I can put into words. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and for standing with me through the challenges and achievements we have shared.”
About Sheriff Pohlmann:
Pohlmann was elected without a challenger during qualifying in August 2023.
He is currently serving his fourth term in the position.
He also ran unopposed in 2019 and was first elected in 2011.
A native of St. Bernard Parish, Pohlmann began his career with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1983, when he was just 18 years old.
Pohlmann has served in virtually all areas of the department, including Communications, Corrections, Patrol, Traffic, Criminal Investigations and SWAT. He has also held various command posts throughout his career, including SWAT commanding officer and chief of field operations.
After serving as chief deputy for former St. Bernard Sheriff Jack A. Stephens for nearly four years, overseeing all law enforcement operations, he was first elected sheriff in November 2011, and was also re-elected without opposition in 2015.
Under his leadership, SBSO expanded and modernized its facilities, technology, equipment and training, strengthened emergency-response capabilities, improved employee pay and support, and built lasting community partnerships. Through hurricanes, the pandemic and other emergencies, he guided the department with steady leadership and compassion.
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