Sheriff Ray Lemaire

Ray Lemaire was born to Wilfred and Nolia Menard LeMaire on October 1, 1940 in Lafayette and grew up mostly in Vermilion Parish.  Ray is a true Cajun in every sense of the word.  French was his primary language and had to learn to speak English when he started school.  Being Cajun when Cajun wasn’t cool has given him great pride in his heritage and he never missed an opportunity to showcase that fact.

Ray’s dedication to public service began soon after graduating from Kaplan High School in 1959.  He joined the United States Navy and served four years.  It was during this time that law enforcement forever became a part of his life.  Serving as a shore patrol officer started it all.

Soon after being discharged from the Navy he was accepted as a Lousiana State police officer, where he served for twenty years.  During this time, he served as a patrol officer, a criminal intelligence officer, and finally a narcotics enforcement officer specializing in anti-narcotics smuggling operations where he and his team members set national records for drug seizures.

His experience with the Louisiana State Police served as a training ground for his real ambition, to become Sheriff of Vermilion Parish. LeMaire was elected Sheriff of Vermilion Parish in 1983 and served in that capacity from 1984-2004.  Ray had a vision of changing law enforcement in Vermilion Parish and quickly surrounded himself with fellow professionals dedicated to his goal.  He is very proud to have successfully changed the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Department into a well trained professional organization.

At the time of his induction, Ray was a minority owner of Emerald Correctional Management Company with offices in Shreveport and Scott, LA and holdings in both Louisiana and Texas. Ray and his wife Jane retired in “Big Woods” in Esther, LA where they adjusted to the retired life.  Ray enjoys traveling, especially to the various French speaking countries where he is constantly promoting his beloved Cajun heritage and the Giant Omelette Celebration in Abbeville.

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