Salvador elected new city marshal
Vic Salvador was elected Ward 3 City Marshal in Saturday’s runoff after being in a tight race with Nathan Keller.
Salvador, a Republican, had 7,157 votes while Keller, a Democrat, had 6,715 votes.
A graduate of McNeese State University, Salvador recently retired from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office as commander and chief deputy over the civil division.
While campaigning for city marshal, Salvador said he was interested in seeking legislation to cap the marshal’s salary, which he said is out of line with other elected officials. Salvador said the surplus funds created by the cap would be used to provide deputies with standardized weapons and body armor, enhanced training and equipment, raise deputies’ pay, and improve services.
In November, Salvador told the American Press he “has been a public servant my entire career and that is all I’ve ever wanted to do. With today’s climate in our country, we need strong leadership in our law enforcement agencies and I have that experience. If elected, I pledge to serve with integrity and compassion.”
Salvador has served in leadership positions in multiple law enforcement agencies, including the CPSO and Ward 3 Marshal’s Office, and has managed a budget of more than $30 million.
This was Keller’s first time to run for public office.
He began working for the Lake Charles Police Department in 1988 and has been a corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and a captain with the department.
The other candidates who were originally vying for Ward 3 City Marshal were Republicans Karl Gillard, Brad Harris and Jeff Hooper and Democrats Bill Pousson and Jimmy Richard.