Thibodaux Police Chief, Craig Melancon, has submitted his resignation as Chief of Police effective January 31, 2003.  Mayor Charles Caillouet accepted Chief Melancon’s resignation today with mixed feelings.

Melancon stated, “I have given much consideration to this matter, both personally and professionally, and I have concluded that this is the correct decision for me and for my family at this time.

I am leaving a department filled with dedicated and professional men and women who daily strive to make this city a safe community for all to work and live in.  Giving up my Thibodaux Police Department badge has tremendous meaning to me for I am indeed proud to have had the opportunity to serve with such a fine group for 15 years.

I have also come to respect the leadership of the city’s department heads that serve under Mayor Caillouet’s direction.  I have gained friendships that I will carry for a lifetime and have appreciated the opportunity to work with all of them.  We have shared the common goal to move this beautiful city forward by serving our citizens with respect and honor.

I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities Mayor Caillouet has given me.   The administrative and leadership skills gained during my four-year tenure will certainly benefit me as I move into a new phase of my professional career.  I leave with a strong sense of pride that together the Mayor and I have served Thibodaux well.

I look forward to once again serving all the citizens of Lafourche Parish in a broader capacity as I join the dedicated teams of the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.  My new position will be as Chief Criminal Investigator of the District Attorney’s Office.

I am proud to have served in this administration and feel that city government has reached new heights under the current leadership.  I pray that the future of the City of Thibodaux will be a continuing success.”

Mayor Caillouet stated, “I am very happy for Chief Melancon and this opportunity for him to return to an area of law enforcement that has always been his passion.”  “However, I am saddened with his departure in that the City of Thibodaux is losing a very dedicated, progressive Chief of Police, who has raised the standards of the department to new heights.”  “I wish he and his family well and look forward to continuing to work with him in his capacity with the District Attorney’s Office and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

There will be a search conducted for Chief Melancon’s successor in hopes to have a smooth transition before Chief Melancon’s departure.