Grambling State University Alumni Named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

“Everybody knows I go out there and do my job in good faith. I guess when I go out there with a bullet-proof vest every night, the community appreciates it,” he said.

The Grambling State University alumnus has been named the law enforcement officer of the year at the 2015 Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce 95^th Annual Awards Banquet held January 29 at the Ruston Civic Center.

The award is part of the Kiwanis Club of Ruston Outstanding People Awards, which honors the firefighter, law enforcement officer and educator of the year.

Mitchell, a native of Choudrant, spent four years playing baseball for the Tigers as a pitcher. After he graduated from Grambling with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2007, he took steps to enter law enforcement and began his career with the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Department in December 2010.

Sontus was surprised to receive the award, but he says he joined the Sheriff’s Department because he wanted to make a difference in his community.

“I wanted to help my community, and I wanted to protect and serve.  I know a lot of people in the community. Law enforcement is fun, but it can also be stressful.  We deal with a lot of situations, but we do have a big impact for kids, since a lot of kids want to be police officers,” he said.

Mitchell and his wife, Destiny, and have a six-month-old son, Cason. He is also an avid fisherman who regularly competes in bass tournaments.

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About Grambling State University

Grambling State University, located in Grambling, Louisiana, is a historically black university founded in 1901. The University has been accredited by 13 accrediting associations and holds accreditations in all programs required by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The 590-acre campus offers 47 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Grambling State University is a member of the University of Louisiana System.