By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre recently graduated from the Dignitary Protection Seminar hosted by the U.S. Secret Service for state and local police officials.

Tregre said the invitation to attend stemmed from President Barack Obama’s visit to St. John Parish following Hurricane Isaac’s aftermath in 2012.

Tregre said Obama and the Secret Service were extremely pleased with the special detail assistance the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office was able to provide during the visit.

“His trip was such a success they wanted me to learn more,” Tregre said.

The U.S. Secret Service New Orleans field office nominated Tregre for the classes, and the U.S. Secret Service funded all costs associated with the June 16 – 20 seminar.

The Dignitary Protection Seminar provides an opportunity for the Secret Service’s state and local partners to achieve a greater understanding of the agency’s dual missions.

The seminars bring together command-level law enforcement personnel from throughout the country for intensive instruction from Secret Service personnel and subject matter experts.

During the five-day seminar, participants observe and participate in exercises that demonstrate the concepts used by the Secret Service to fulfill its investigative and protective missions, and some of the techniques used to put those concepts into operation.

Tregre said the training was some of the best he’s ever received, and he’s grateful for the opportunity to have taken the trip.