Our chief's story

Forever EA Blue: Sherman Jackson, a proud 1988 graduate of East Ascension High School, was a  basketball player who lettered all four years. As a key member of the 1988 Spartans, he played a role in leading the team to the Final Four. Today, you can still find our Chief on the sidelines, cheering for the Blue with the same passion and pride.

Proven Leadership Under Fire: Our Chief is a proud combat veteran who served as a Scout with the 2/2 Cavalry during the First Gulf War. After five years of dedicated service, he was honorably discharged as an E4. His military experience has instilled in him the values of discipline, resilience, and leadership under pressure—qualities that continue to guide him in his role as Chief of Police.

Rooted in Family and Service: Married to Leslie Jackson for 34 years, and a proud father to sons Deven and Xander, and daughter Bria, our Chief's values of family, faith, community, and service were instilled in him from a young age. Raised by his parents, Robert Jackson, Sr. and Brenda Pack Jackson, alongside his grandmother Alice Thompson Jackson, he was taught that true leadership is rooted in service to others, a principle he carries with him every day.

Honoring Our Roots: Since 1994, our Chief has been a dedicated member of the Gonzales Police Department, starting his journey as one of just 4 Black officers among 28. Through his leadership, he has transformed the department into a true reflection of our community's rich diversity.

Not All Experience Is Equal: Our Chief brings a unique blend of progressive leadership and management to the table. Beyond handling routine traffic calls, he spent five years as a trained Special Operator (SORT), gaining crucial command and administrative experience. This hands-on, specialized training has equipped him with the skills necessary to lead effectively in the most challenging situations, demonstrating that true leadership requires more than just time on the job—it demands the right kind of experience.

Qualified Leadership: A Constant Pursuit of Excellence

Leadership doesn’t just happen—it’s a continuous journey of learning, improving, and adapting to meet the ever-evolving challenges of a 21st-century police department. Leading a force of 50 officers and managing the safety of over 500,000 visitors each week is no small task. That’s why our Chief, has been relentless in his pursuit of the knowledge, skills, and capabilities needed to effectively lead and build a department that all of Gonzales can be proud of.

Qualified leadership is not just about experience—it's about being ready to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

In 2008 Sherman Jackson made history being elected the first African American Chief of Police in Gonzales.