Daniel Seuzeneau Resigns from Slidell Police Department, Launches Campaign for St. Tammany Parish Sheriff

Daniel Seuzeneau Resigns from Slidell Police Department, Launches Campaign for St. Tammany Parish Sheriff

After more than two decades in law enforcement, Daniel Seuzeneau officially announced Tuesday that he has resigned from the Slidell Police Department and is seeking the office of St. Tammany Parish Sheriff.

Because Seuzeneau was a civil service employee, he was required to resign before becoming a candidate for elected office. During his announcement, he said he informed Slidell Police Chief Tommy Williams and Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal of his decision earlier that morning before making his campaign official.

The announcement drew a packed room filled with supporters, law enforcement personnel, community leaders, family members and residents. Seuzeneau noted that the event had come together in less than 24 hours, making the turnout all the more remarkable.

Clearly emotional at times, Seuzeneau opened by thanking those who helped shape his career.

“These two men have been inspirations to me, mentors, friends, leaders and now supporters.”

He also acknowledged how difficult it was to leave the department he has called home for most of his adult life.

“The Slidell Police Department has been my professional home for most of my adult life. It’s where I grew up in law enforcement. It’s where I learned the meaning of service.”

Seuzeneau told those gathered that stepping away from what was comfortable was necessary because he believes the parish is ready for a new generation of leadership.

“There comes a moment in life when you have to decide whether you are willing to leave what is comfortable in order to do the right thing. Today, for me, that moment is now. It is time for a new generation of leadership.”

Throughout his speech, Seuzeneau centered his campaign on leadership, accountability and public service rather than politics.

“Leadership means standing up for what’s right. It means telling the truth, even when the truth is uncomfortable. It means taking responsibility.”

He repeatedly emphasized that the campaign is about the people of St. Tammany Parish and the deputies who serve them, not about one individual.

“Every family in this parish deserves to feel safe. Every citizen deserves a sheriff who is accessible to the people and willing to stand before them even when it’s difficult.”

Seuzeneau also described his vision for the Sheriff’s Office as one built on trust, service and support for deputies.

“The sheriff’s office belongs to the people and the deputies of St. Tammany.”

During the question-and-answer session, Seuzeneau said his leadership style would not change if elected.

“Lead from the front, like I’ve always been. My track record speaks for itself.”

He was equally complimentary of the men and women currently serving in the Sheriff’s Office.

“I don’t think there’s a problem with trust within the sheriff’s office. Those deputies do a damn good job every day. They serve and protect, and I am going to be the guy to stand there and lead them into the next chapter.”

When asked about the campaign itself, Seuzeneau stressed that he does not intend to make the race personal.

“I’m not running against anybody. I’m running for the people of St. Tammany Parish.”

He added that he would not tolerate personal attacks against other candidates.

“We are absolutely not going to attack people’s character or integrity. We can talk about our qualifications, the things we’re going to change and the lives we can change.”

Seuzeneau closes one chapter with an extensive law enforcement résumé that spans nearly 20 years. During his career, he has served as a patrol officer, detective, FBI task force member, sergeant, Public Information Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Interim Chief of Police. He has led major homicide, armed robbery and carjacking investigations, managed the department’s budget, helped build one of Louisiana’s most recognized law enforcement social media programs, served as a SWAT hostage negotiator and earned numerous honors, including Officer of the Year, a Lifesaving Award and an Exceptional Service Award. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in marketing and an MBA from Louisiana Tech University.

As he closed his announcement, Seuzeneau asked for prayers, support and ideas from the community before leaving attendees with a message that summed up his campaign.

“Together we can be stronger, we can be safer, and we can make our home better than it’s ever been.”

With his resignation now official, Seuzeneau has formally entered what is expected to be one of the most closely watched sheriff’s races in St. Tammany Parish in recent years.