Abbeville Chief of Police Mike Hardy announces candidacy for re-election

It has been an honor to serve as your Chief of Police for the past four years. I have worked diligently with the city administration to hire qualified personnel to build the Abbeville Police Department. I have prioritized training, equipment and manpower so that our patrol division can be proactive against the crime in our city. We have added two K-9 teams (Thanks to the Abbeville Rotary Club) to assist in both patrol and drug enforcement. I will continue to be a working chief and I will work the streets with my officers to combat the criminal element. It remains my goal to create a professional and courteous public safety agency that we can all be proud of.
Education and Training
• Graduate of Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belview, Texas
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement/Police Science from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas
• Graduate of Acadiana Law Enforcement 18th Basic Training Academy and also Graduated from a refresher course in the 135th Basic Academy.
• Attended Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Basic Training
• Jan 2023: Attended the New Chief’s Training Course
• Currently Certified with Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)
• Served over 20 years as a Manadnock Defensive Tactics Instructor
• Certified Instructor on Tacticle Police Driving
• Qualified Expert with Glock 9mm semi auto pistol
• Received thousands of hours of numerous Law Enforcement Trainings:
• Cultural Diversity
• Narcotics Enforcement
• Homicide Investigations
• Domestic Violence
• Firearms Training
• Police Management

Experience
• 4 Years Patrolman for City of Abbeville
• 6 Years Lieutenant/Shift Supervisor for the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office
• 1 ½ Years Patrolman for the Maurice Police Department
• 10 Years Reserve Officer with the Abbeville Police Department
• 16 Years Chief of Police for the City of Abbeville

Professional and Civic Organizations
• Member- International Association of Chiefs of Police
• Member/Past President Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police
• Member/Past President Southwest LA Association of Chiefs of Police
• Member- Evangeline Law Enforcement Council
• Member/Past President Vermilion Parish Triad (senior citizens and law enforcement working together)
• Past President Vermilion Municipal Drug Task Force
• Past President Vermilion Domestic Abuse Intervention Project
• Served- Louisiana State Dare Advisory Board
• Served-Louisiana State Violent Crime and Policy Board
• Served- Attorney General’s Advisory Council on Law Enforcement
• Served- Designated Agent with U.S. Customs Operation Blue Lightening Strike Force
• Guest Instructor Acadiana Law Enforcement Training Academy for 20 Years
• Attend Project Safe Neighborhood through the U.S. Attorney’s Office
• Board Member/Past President Abbeville Kiwanis Club
• Board of Directors Vermilion Chapter Acadiana Boys & Girls Club
• Member- Abbeville Master Plan Committee
• Member- Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, Graduate of Leadership Vermilion Class 6
• Member- South Louisiana Community College Advisory Board

I have been married to Janise “Neisy” Babineaux Hardy for 44 years. We have 3 Daughters: Tessa, Allison and Kaysie. Tessa has Down Syndrome, Autism and is nonverbal. She survived a stroke in 2017 and is the most determined individual that you will ever meet. She lives at home with Neisy and I; we have sitters who are very important to us and help us care for her. Allison is married to Loni and is a Flight Registered Nurse with Acadian Air Med Services and in the Emergency Department of Ochsner Lafayette General. Kaysie is a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Departments of Ochsner Lafayette General and Abbeville General Hospitals. We have been Blessed with 3 Grandchildren: Demi (7), Mya (4) and Dax (3 months)
I Humbly ask for your Vote in the May 16, 2026 City Election.
You can contact me at any time:
• Cell Phone: 337-316-2855
• Work Phone: 337-893-2511
• Email: mhardy1958@yahoo.com

PLEASE VOTE MIKE HARDY #30 FOR CHIEF OF POLICE

IMPORTANT DATES
• EARLY VOTING: May 2 thru May 9
• ELECTION DAY: May 16, 2026

Paid for by
Mike Hardy