By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking the community’s help in replacing the office’s supply of bullet-proof vests for Sheriff’s deputies.

Sheriff Mike Tregre said more than 100 vests are in need of replacement. He said some were damaged when deputies trudged through floodwater to rescue trapped residents. Others have gone past their expiration date.

“The vests have a predetermined shelf life before they need to be replaced,” Tregre said. “We have a fund to cover vest replacement, but we have never needed to replace this many at one time.”

Tregre said the most basic vests, which go to all patrol deputies, narcotics agents and detectives, can run about $500 apiece. Other more sophisticated vests used by SWAT team units can cost much more. To help cover the cost of replacement, Tregre is asking local businesses and community organizations to contribute to the Sheriff’s Office vest fund.

“Any local group or organization is welcome to contribute however they can,” Tregre said. “Anyone who donates will have the opportunity to present the vest to the deputy of their choosing.”

As of Monday, the Sheriff’s Office website listed substantial donations from ArcelorMittal, Marathon and G. Smith Motor Sports. Tregre even received a promise of a $500 donation from Sen. Mary Landrieu when she was in the parish last week.

Anyone interested in donating to the vest fund can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 985-652-9513.