BRUSLY — A packed St. John the Baptist Catholic Church said farewell Friday to former West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Mike Cazes, who died November 24 at age 69.
West Baton Rouge Says Goodbye to Sheriff Mike Cazes
BRUSLY — A packed St. John the Baptist Catholic Church said farewell Friday to former West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Mike Cazes, who died November 24 at age 69.
Law enforcement officers and elected officials from across Louisiana filled the pews the day after Thanksgiving to honor the five-term sheriff who spent 44 years serving West Baton Rouge Parish.
Rev. Jeff Bayhi, who celebrated the funeral Mass, captured the spirit of the service.
"If you know Mike Cazes, the last thing he wants us to do is turn this into a funeral; he wants to turn it into a celebration, a celebration of a life well lived," Bayhi said. "You don't stay sheriff of a small town, a small parish, for 20 years just because you have political clout. You do it because you've been able to make a difference in the lives of so many people in this community."
44 Years in Law Enforcement
Cazes began his career as a reserve deputy in 1979. He worked his way up through the ranks — serving as jailer, patrol deputy, administrative assistant to the sheriff, Port Allen City Marshal, and chief criminal deputy — before voters elected him sheriff in 2003.
He took office July 1, 2004, succeeding Sheriff Randall Andre, and would go on to win re-election four more times. His fifth and final term ended June 30, 2024.
During his two decades as sheriff, Cazes built programs that continue to serve the parish today. The West Baton Rouge Parish Work Release Center helps inmates find jobs before release. The training division he established now serves law enforcement agencies across the region. He created a critical incident response team to support deputy mental health and built a fitness facility open to all first responders in the parish.
"He ate, drank, bled law enforcement," said 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton, who began his prosecutorial career working with Cazes. "He treated everybody kindly, sometimes to his own detriment. He was an awesome guy."
Statewide Recognition
Cazes earned respect beyond West Baton Rouge during his career. His fellow sheriffs elected him president of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association in 2011-2012. In 2013, he was inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame.
He also served as Southern District Coordinator for the Louisiana Sheriffs' Emergency Task Force, sat on the board of Metanoia Manor, a Baton Rouge organization that helps underage victims of human trafficking, and chaired the West Baton Rouge Democratic Parish Executive Committee.
The Louisiana Democratic Party issued a statement mourning his passing: "It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of WBR DPEC Chair and former West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Michael B. 'Mike' Cazes. Our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him."
Lt. Ron Pourciau, who worked alongside Cazes for 14 years, remembered a man whose word meant everything.
"He led by example, and his word was his bond — it was golden," Pourciau said. "If he gave you his word, you could stand by it. He's helped so many people. He didn't have the word 'no' in his vocabulary."
Final Honors
Following the service, Cazes was laid to rest at the church cemetery with full law enforcement honors. A riderless horse — boots reversed in the stirrups, symbolizing a fallen leader — led the procession. A rifle volley pierced the silence before taps sounded over the graveside as officers rendered a final salute.
Sheriff Jeff Bergeron, who succeeded Cazes last year, released a statement calling him "a dedicated public servant and a leader who devoted his life to the citizens of this community."
"Sheriff Cazes cared deeply for his community, and he did so with a big heart," Bergeron said. "His compassion, leadership, and presence made a lasting impact in West Baton Rouge Parish."
Congressman Troy A. Carter also paid tribute: "Former Sheriff Mike Cazes devoted his life to protecting and serving the people of West Baton Rouge Parish, faithfully leading as sheriff for five terms. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose legacy of service and compassion will long be remembered."
A Lasting Tribute
In September 2024, just months before his death, the parish renamed Northwest Drive in Port Allen as Mike Cazes Road. The street leads to the training division he created — a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to building institutions that will serve the parish for generations.
Cazes is survived by his wife of 41 years, Stephanie Jarreau Cazes; children Chrissy Cazes Simoneaux (Dale), Michelle Cazes Olinde (Ryan), and Brian Cazes (Laurie); seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and siblings Jim Cazes, Kathy Cazes Wilbert, and David Cazes.
"Didn't matter who you were," Rev. Bayhi said. "You didn't have to be from West Baton Rouge Parish. You didn't have to be someone who could vote for him in the long run. You just had to be someone who was in need."
Sources
WBR Independent attended the funeral service at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brusly on November 29, 2025. Additional information came from official statements from the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, coverage by WAFB, WBRZ, and The Advocate, the Louisiana Democratic Party, and Congressman Troy A. Carter's office.
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