FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF - SHERIFF WILLIAM EARL HILTON

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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 26-031 EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER JML

FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF- SHERIFF WILLIAM EARL HILTON

WHEREAS, former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton tragically passed away on

March 23, 2026;

WHEREAS, he served as Sheriff for 24 years and retired in 2020 after a lifetime of public

service;

WHEREAS, he was married for 61 years to his wife Billie Faye Gunter Hilton. Together,

they had two children, Shane Hilton and wife, Laurie, and Kristy Dunn and husband, Bubba; one grandchild, Slade Hilton; and step-grandson, Jax.son Fuller;

WHEREAS, he dedicated his life to public service, acting as a law enforcement officer for

50 years, and he will be remembered for his exemplary public service and respect he showed everyone;

WHEREAS, he knew at a young age he wanted to work in law enforcement, looking up

to Sheriff Kelly and his father, who served as a constable;

WHEREAS, as Sheriff, he greatly improved the Sheriff's Office, by advocating for better

equipment and benefits for employees; founding the Louisiana Youth Academy, Juvenile Boot Camp; increasing parish prison capacity; opening additional sub-stations to reduce response times; establishing a training academy for corrections officers; obtaining a Mobile Command Center and SWAT Team vehicle; and placing a deputy in every school in Rapides Parish to protect children in the community;

WHEREAS, he was a pillar in the community, serving on the Region VI Mental Health Advisory Council; the executive board of the Boy Scouts of America Attakappas Council; the Board of Advisors for Renaissance Home for Youth; the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army; and the Central Louisiana Coalition to Prevent Homelessness; as chairman on the Board of Directors for the Food Bank of Central Louisiana; and chaired fundraising events for the Heart Fund, the March of Dimes, and the Red Cross; WHEREAS, he was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shreveport Consistory; a member of Oliver Masonic Lodge #84 and Gardner Lodge #482; a member of the El Karubah Shrine Temple; and past president of the Cenla Shrine Club; WHEREAS, he had a great love for the outdoors, proudly belonging to the National Rifle Association and many sportsmen organizations; WHEREAS, his call to leadership knew no bounds, extending to his time as president of the Rapides Cattleman's Association and a charter member of the Central Louisiana High School Rodeo Association; WHEREAS, he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and compassion, being known for treating everyone around him as Christ called him to, no matter their background or status; WHEREAS, he is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sister, and numerous nieces and nephews; WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas "Tom" and Modena "Frankie" Hilton; brother, Herbert Hilton; and sister, Verna Hilton Fussell. WHEREAS, his life exemplified the courage and commitment of those who stand on the Thin Blue Line, a symbol of the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. NOW THEREFORE, I, JEFF LANDRY, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows: Section 1: As an expression of respect and to honor Sheriff William Earl Hilton, the flags of the United States and the State of Louisiana shall be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol and all state buildings from sunrise until sunset on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Section 2: This Order is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect until sunset, March 27, 2026. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana in the City of Baton Rouge, on this 25 th day of March, 2026.

GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA

ATTEST BY THE SECRETARY OFSTATE

SECRET