LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / September 3, 2000

DESTREHAN – The unfamiliar rumble of five Harley Road King Police motorcycles roared in the front lawn of Destrehan Plantation, as Sheriff Greg C. Champagne displayed his new motorcycle unit.”The primary reason is to handle traffic, but they’ll also work special events,” Champagne said.

Already, the unit has worked funeral escort duty, but the sheriff warned motorists that the unit will be busy working to control traffic.

“They’re going to be out there, and they’re going to be hard to see,” said Champagne.

For several months deputies in the St. Charles Sheriff’s Department hadlobbied for a motorcycle unit, a request which was especially boosted by Cpl.

Morris “Moe” Cavalier, himself a 20-year veteran of New Orleans Police Department’s motorcycle squad and a certified instructor.

With an indefinite loan of three motorcycles from Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee and the purchase of two more at $17,000 each, the squad began to take shape.

Cavalier set up training for four additional officers, and before long the squad was complete. Members include Deputy Bob Villere, Deputy Mike Folse,Cpl. Johnny Champagne and Chief Deputy Joseph Cardella. Also, the sherifftook the certification course himself and owns his own Harley Road King.

“We’ll see how it goes for a year,” Champagne said. “I think it’ll be a realgood addition to our department.”

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