By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The hardware on display in the parking lot of the Home Depot on Airline Highway Saturday was a little heavier duty than normal as the St. John Sheriff’s Department held their annual expo.

The weather cooperated and brought out a sizeable crowd, comprised mostly of families with young children, to the event Capt. Mike Hoover described as a public relations function.

“It’s a chance for the community to come out and see what we’re doing,” said Hoover. He said the department held a similar function two years ago, and based on the success of that, they decided to do it again.

“People had so much fun last time,” he said, adding, “It’s a family day.”

On that fair Saturday, the Sheriff’s Office brought out the big guns, literally. A tank affectionately referred to as “Big Blue” dominated a portion of the grounds. And kids of all ages could climb in back to see what the inside of a tank looks like, a rare opportunity for anyone, including the officers themselves. Hoover said the heavy-duty piece of equipment rarely gets used but is there should the need arise.

Another vehicle the department is particularly proud of is their mobile DWI unit, which they can bring whenever they conduct a checkpoint. The unit has computer systems onboard and has the capability to conduct alcohol testing on-site. External video cameras also record field sobriety tests, and the evidence they collect can be used in court.

“It’s pretty much a mobile command post,” said Lt. Conrad Baker, who manned the vehicle for the day.

The Sheriff’s Department will be able to put the vehicle to the test when they conduct a DWI checkpoint Saturday.

One of the more unusual items on display was an apparatus used in underwater operations. The underwater communications device is used to aid officers in navigating the murky waters of St. John Parish.

Rounding out the activities and displays were K-9 demonstrations, numerous high-mobility vehicles such as motorcycles and Segways, a police boat and various traffic safety tools, including a pair of goggles that make the wearer see as though they were intoxicated. The public also enjoyed complimentary food and drinks sponsored by Pepsi. One lucky attendee even walked away with a new generator courtesy of the department.