Natchitoches, LA (April 29, 2024) – Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright unveiled on Monday, April 29, 2024 the appointment of the Chief Deputy for the upcoming term of office, slated to commence in July.
Sheriff Wright has chosen Captain Darrell Winder for elevation to the role of Chief Deputy, effective July 1, succeeding Chief Deputy Greg Dunn, who is set to retire on June 30.
Expressing his enthusiasm for Captain Winder’s appointment, Sheriff Wright underscored his confidence in Winder’s capabilities. He stated, “I am excited to announce that Captain Darrell Winder will serve as the next Chief Deputy of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. Without hesitation, Captain Winder has earned my trust, the respect of his colleagues in the office, and the citizens of the parish.”
Captain Winder brings over four decades of law enforcement experience to his new position. His journey began in 1980 as a deputy sheriff with the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a criminal and narcotics investigator. Joining the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2012 as an investigator, he steadily rose through the ranks to his current role as Captain of the Investigations Bureau.
Throughout his career, Winder has pursued continuous professional development, acquiring certifications and training in various areas crucial to his service, including homicide investigations, domestic violence, and clandestine narcotics laboratory investigations.
In his new capacity as Chief Deputy, Captain Winder will collaborate closely with Sheriff Wright in overseeing all aspects of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. His responsibilities will encompass leadership and coordination, policy implementation, resource management, community engagement, collaboration with other agencies, training and professional development, and internal investigations.
Outside of his professional life, Captain Winder is married to Josephine Williams Winder for 47 years and resides in St. Maurice. They have two adult children, Anissa Winder Smith and Darrel Winder Jr. The Winders are active members of the Evergreen Baptist Church in St. Maurice, where Darrell serves as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Elbert R. Demery III.
Sheriff Wright also hinted at additional leadership appointments forthcoming, to be disclosed at a later date.