Former Chief of Police Mike Hardy announces candidacy

Hello, my name is Mike Hardy, and I am running for the office of Chief of Police for the City of Abbeville in the city election on March 26, 2022. The office of Chief of Police is important to anyone who lives, works or recreates in our city. Our police officers, elected officials and most importantly, our Citizens need a Strong, Qualified and Proactive Chief – A Chief who can help provide a safe community through the use of professional and efficient department management, open lines of communication, firm but fair leadership, and proactive community policing.
I bring to the table over 30 years of Law Enforcement Experience. I served 12 years as the Chief of Police for the City of Abbeville. I have the education, training and experience to properly and efficiently represent the city and its citizens. I possess the management skills to operate the police department effectively. I have the strength and resolve to be firm yet fair when handling difficult situations, and finally, I possess the will to motivate the police department and the public to protect Our City.
I pledge to work with the officers, the Mayor and City Council, Parish Officials, as well as State and Federal Agencies to enhance better the Abbeville Police Department’s assets- training, manpower, equipment and time management. Together we will reduce response times and increase citizen and officer safety.
My goal is to create a professional and courteous public safety agency that we all can be proud of!
Education and Training
Graduate from Barbers Hill High School in Barbers Hill, Texas
Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement/Police Science from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas
Graduate from Acadiana Law Enforcement 18th Basic Training Academy and then Graduated again from a refresher in the 135th Basic Academy, receiving the John Mark “Dooley” HardyHardest Worker Award
Currently certified with the Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)
Served over 20 years as a Manadnock Defensive Tactics Instructor
Certified Instructor on Tactile Police Driving
Attended the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Basic Training
Qualified Expert with Glock .40 Caliber Semi-Auto pistol
Received thousands of hours on numerous Law Enforcement training, including Narcotics Enforcement, Homicide Investigations, Firearms and Police Management.
Experience
4 years Patrolman for the City of Abbeville
6 years Lieutenant/Shift Supervisor for the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office
12 years Chief of Police for the City of Abbeville
1 ½ years Patrolman with Maurice Police Department
10 years Reserve Officer with the Abbeville Police Department
Professional and Civic Organizations
Member- International Association of Chiefs of Police
Past President –Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police
Past President – Southwest Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police
Past President- Vermilion Municipal Drug Task Force
Past President- Vermilion Parish TRIAD SALT (Seniors and Law Enforcement working together)
Past President- Vermilion Parish Domestic Abuse Intervention Project
Served- Louisiana State D.A.R.E. Advisory Board
Served- Louisiana State Violent Crime and Policy Board
Served- Attorney Generals Advisory Council on Law Enforcement
Served- Designated Agent with US Customs Operation Blue Lightening Strike Force.
Served- Evangeline Law Enforcement Council
Worked with- Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement
Member- Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association
Guest Instructor- Acadiana Law Enforcement Training Academy
Past President/Board Member- Abbeville Kiwanas Club
Board of Directors- Vermilion Chapter Acadiana Boys and Girls Club
Member- Abbeville/Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, Graduate of Leadership Vermilion Class 6

Mike and Janise “Neisy” have been married for 40 years. They have 3 Daughters: Tessa, Allison and Kaysie. Tessa is disabled and lives at home with her parents – among other things, she has survived a stroke and is one of the most determined individuals that you will ever meet. Allison is married and is a Flight Paramedic with Acadian Ambulance Armed Services. Kaysie is a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Ochsner/Lafayette General. The Hardys have two wonderful Granddaughters (Demi and Mya), thanks to Allison and her partner Loni.
I Humbly ask for your vote in the March 26, 2022, City Election. You can contact me at:
Campaign Headquarters: 1906 Michael St. Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: Cell 337-316-2855
Work 337-893-1243
Fax 337-893-1965
Email MikeHardyCOP2022@gmail.com
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: ELECTION DAY: MARCH 26, 2022
EARLY VOTING PERIOD: MARCH 12- MARCH 19, 2022