Yes, it’s still early but the coffee shop crowd is still on the prowl to discover more possible candidates for next year’s mayoral election. A name that had surfaced earlier this summer has resurfaced—Rod Demery.
To most politicos and television junkies, Demery is not a new name. But to many, he may not be known.
Demery was a detective with the Shreveport Police Department for over sixteen years. He earned his reputation as a highly effective investigator working homicides.
His track record speaks for itself.
He was responsible for sixty-one arrests out of over 250 murders in the City. And he closed all of his homicide investigation files. These numbers far exceed the average of other SPD detectives.
In March of last year, he moved to the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office. He was one of the first significant “hires” of former judge James Stewart. Demery is a homicide investigator.
Demery’s murder arrests lead to a television series that debuted last fall—“Murder Chose Me”. The series has been renewed for a second season.
Demery knows first hand the devastating impact of serious crimes. His mother was murdered when he was age 3.
Demery served in the United States Navy for nine years. He received decorations for his service in Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2003 from Louisiana State University-Shreveport.
Demery’s community involvement includes work with domestic violence and homeless shelters, community crime forums as well as church outreach programs.
Demery has published several times .
His “No Place for Race: Why We Need to Address Economic and Social Factors..” was an Amazon bestseller. It was acclaimed as one of “10 Best Black Books of 2013” by Rotten Tomatoes.
Demery’s “Things My Daughters Need to Know” was also an Amazon bestseller. It was listed in the “25 Books Every Man Should Read.”
Demery says that many citizens throughout Shreveport have urged him to seriously consider next year’s mayoral race. He says that crime is generally mentioned, along with the need for more economic development. He says that is keenly aware that socioeconomics are often a big factor in a city’s crime rate.
Demery says he is open to further conversations about the city’s future . And he is open to seriously considering a run for mayor next year.
At this juncture he has not formed an advisory committee but he does welcome input. (rldemery@mac.com)
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