Governor Names Dustin Yates as Mayor, Maj. Todd Morris as Chief in St. George

Governor Jeff Landry announced the appointment of the Interim Mayor and Chief of Police for the  city of St. George.

Gov. Landry said, “Chief Morris and Mayor Yates have the experience needed to fill these roles—especially during this important time of transition. I look forward to the work they will do to ensure St. George is a safe and thriving community.”  

  Mayor Dustin Yates responded, saying, “I am extremely humbled to be appointed by Governor Landry to lead this newly created city as the interim Mayor. Our goal will be to ensure a timely transition that will set up the City of St. George for long term success.”

The new Chief of Police, Todd Morris, said, “I would like to thank Governor Landry for this appointment and trusting in me. I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as the first Chief of Police for the City of St. George. I have called this community home for the past 40 years. I am excited to bring my 34 years of law enforcement experience to serve the citizens of St. George. I am committed to working collaboratively with our residents, business owners, Sheriff Gautreaux and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, as well as the community leaders to ensure St. George is a safe, welcoming, and thriving city for all.”

Mayor Dustin Yates

Dustin Yates, 44, was born and raised in New Orleans where he graduated from Jesuit High School and UNO where he earned a B.A. in education. He taught and coached in public school for four years before entering the fire service with the St. George Fire Department. 

The new mayor is currently serving his 19th year with the Fire Department where he has held the positions of Firefighter/Operator, Lieutenant, and Chief Administrative Officer. He continued his education with an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science, and also graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Maryland. 

He has been involved with the City of St. George beginning with the original petition drive in 2013. He is married to Allison for 18 years, and they have two children, Avery, 16 and Bennett, 14. They are parishioners at St. George Catholic Church.  

Chief of Police Todd Morris

Todd Morris has 34 years’ experience in law enforcement. He serves as the Chief of Crimes against Persons and Special Operations for East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. The Divisions he oversees include Homicide/Violent Crimes Unit, General Detectives, Sex Offender Registration, Crime Scene, DNA Analysts, Rapid DNA, NIBIN Technicians, Intelligence, Evidence, Homeland Security, SWAT, Mobile Field Force, Marine Search & Rescue, EOD, and Aviation.