Posted: Dec 2, 2021, 6:02 PM
A group of state and local elected officials and dignitaries handed out resolutions and praise to Billy “Coach” Montgomery Wednesday in celebration of his years of service to Bossier Parish as an educator, coach and state representative.
Montgomery officially retired from the Bossier Parish Police Jury after serving since 2008 as special projects coordinator and assistant to parish administrator Bill Altimus. Friends, family and admirers packed the parish police jury meeting room to hear officials and friends speak of his accomplishments.
“I have known and worked with Billy Montgomery for many years and I can truthfully say he is the example of dedication and hard work,” former Louisiana Senate President John Alario said. “He always served his district well, but if someone asked for his help, he never asked who their representative was. He would do whatever he could to assist them, no matter where they lived.”
Alario was joined in the celebration by Bossier Parish Police Jury President Jerome Darby, Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler, State Sen. Barrow Peacock and Northwestern State University head basketball coach Mike McConathy.
Also, Joe Salter representing Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin and Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington honored Montgomery. Sharing personal observations about “Coach” were life-long friends Pesky Hill and Billy Grisham.
Montgomery came to the police jury after serving 20 years in the state legislature. His stellar service record began early when he was named “New Legislator of the Year” by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. That was followed by the honor of “Distinguished Legislator” from the La. Association of Educators in 1989. He was the only individual to receive the International Police Award in 1990.
He served as chairman of the House Legislative Services Council and was a member of the powerful House Ways and Means committee. He also served on 10 additional panels during his years in the House including the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay, the Juvenile Justice Commission and Ad Hoc Advisory Commission and the I-49 Extension Feasibility and Funding Task Force.
Montgomery is credited for “coaching” the state into nearly $270 million in investments to projects in Bossier Parish and northwest Louisiana. Included in that total is roughly $2.76 million for secondary road projects.
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