From maintaining the city’s essential infrastructure to serving in law enforcement and on the City Council, the lifelong resident has devoted more than 26 years to his community.
For Councilman William Cushenberry Jr., public service is closely connected to home.
A lifelong resident of St. Gabriel, Cushenberry has served the city in several important capacities—from supervising municipal maintenance and working in law enforcement to representing residents on the City Council.
His journey reflects a practical understanding of local government developed through decades of hands-on experience.
Before becoming a councilman, Cushenberry spent 26 years working for the City of St. Gabriel. During that time, he served as the City’s first maintenance supervisor and later as a lieutenant with the St. Gabriel Police Department.
Today, he continues serving the community as a member of its legislative body.
A Foundation Built in St. Gabriel
Cushenberry was raised in St. Gabriel and graduated from Sunshine High School.
His education continued at Lafourche Regional Training Academy, where he received professional preparation connected to his public-safety career.
Those experiences gave him two different but complementary perspectives on municipal service.
Maintenance work taught him about the physical systems that allow a city to function. Law enforcement placed him directly within the responsibility of protecting residents and responding to community concerns.
Together, the roles helped him understand local government from the ground up—not only through policies and meetings, but through the daily work required to keep public services operating.
St. Gabriel’s First Maintenance Supervisor
As St. Gabriel’s first maintenance supervisor, Cushenberry helped establish an important municipal role.
City maintenance affects many parts of residents’ daily lives. It can involve streets, drainage, public buildings, recreational spaces, equipment and other facilities relied upon by the community.
Although much of this work happens outside public attention, its impact is visible throughout the city.
A functioning local government depends on people who can identify problems, coordinate practical solutions and help ensure that public resources remain useful and safe.
Cushenberry’s maintenance experience gave him direct knowledge of those responsibilities and the operational challenges municipal employees encounter.
Serving in Law Enforcement
Cushenberry also served as a lieutenant with the St. Gabriel Police Department.
That position required leadership, sound judgment and direct engagement with residents during situations that could be difficult or sensitive.
His law-enforcement background added another dimension to his understanding of public service: the importance of safety, accountability and community trust.
After retiring from municipal employment with 26 years of service, Cushenberry carried that experience into elected leadership.
His biography and current position are confirmed through the City of St. Gabriel’s official directory.
From City Employee to Council Member
As a councilman, Cushenberry now participates in shaping the policies governing the city where he once worked as an employee.
The St. Gabriel City Council serves as the City’s legislative body, with authority to enact ordinances and resolutions.
Council members consider matters involving public services, budgets, development, infrastructure and the regulations affecting residents and businesses.
Cushenberry’s professional background allows him to examine those decisions through the perspective of someone who understands how municipal policies are carried out in practice.
A proposal approved in a council meeting may later require coordination among police officers, maintenance employees, administrators and other city personnel. Having worked within those systems, Cushenberry brings firsthand operational experience to the council table.
Continuing a Legacy of Service
Cushenberry’s story is one of continuity.
He attended school in St. Gabriel, built his career serving its residents and remained engaged after retiring from municipal employment.
His progression from maintenance supervisor to police lieutenant and council member illustrates the many forms public service can take.
Some contributions happen in city departments and on neighborhood streets. Others take place through ordinances, budgets and public meetings. Each requires a commitment to the people affected by those decisions.
At Saint Gabriel Spotlight, we believe residents should know the people serving in their local government and understand the experiences they bring into public office.
Councilman William Cushenberry Jr. brings the perspective of a lifelong resident, longtime municipal employee and public-safety professional.
After more than 26 years of service, he continues working for the city he has always called home.
Contact Councilman William Cushenberry Jr.
Phone: (225) 716-2899
Email: wcushenberry@stgabriel.us
