RIDGECREST &8212; Friday at 5:01 p.m., Guy Lain officially completed his mayoral duties for the town of Ridgecrest.

Lain, 44, a native of Livingston Parish and resident of Ridgecrest, accepted a state position as an attorney for the Louisiana Office of Community Service in children&8217;s proceedings.

&8220;I have really enjoyed serving as mayor,&8221; Lain said. &8220;I am happy this job will allow me to remain in the community.&8221;

The Office of Community Service provides for the public child welfare functions of the state and administers the federal grants for services directed at meeting the special needs for Louisiana citizens, Lain said. He will share responsibility for eight parishes including Concordia and Catahoula.

Lain, with acceptance of the new position and &8220;as a condition for employment&8221; must step down as Mayor and president of the Ferriday Chamber of Commerce, he said. Lain received approval from the State allowing the work in his private practice to continue alongside the new undertaking.

&8220;I received confirmation from the town clerk the resignation was received by the State and in fact that office will be vacant at 5:01 p.m. Friday,&8221; Lain said.

Lain was appointed mayor in 2000 when a vacancy was left by David Cobb&8217;s exit. He was then elected into his own term in 2002. Lain has served as an alderman on the town council and was the attorney for Ridgecrest.

&8220;In the new position I will represent the state of Louisiana in certain child welfare proceedings,&8221; Lain said. &8220;For the last six years I have been the attorney appointed to represent children in children&8217;s welfare proceedings, so I have experience in that area of law.

&8220;I greatly enjoy it and am thankful for the opportunity given to me.&8221;

The town has until June 26 to fill the vacancy and Mayor Pro Tempore Michael Roberts will carry out the duties until a new mayor is selected, Lain said.