Mike Tregre announced his candidacy for re-election to the office of Sheriff of St. John the Baptist Parish April 22 at his first campaign fundraiser this year.

Surrounded by his command staff and in the presence of family, friends and supporters, Tregre said he gave the following words to let the crowd know he was seeking re-election Oct. 24.

“Evil prevails when good men do nothing,” Tregre said. “That was the quote that led to the burning in my heart to step up and run for Sheriff. When I announced my candidacy for Sheriff in 2011, all I had was 24 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, a platform and a promise of ‘Protection…Not Politics.’ I got 64 percent of the vote because people trusted me to deliver….and I believe I have.

“Since I took office in July 2012, members of SJSO have seen a 10 percent increase in pay, the implementation of the first ever deferred comp program and their contribution to the pension plan has been absorbed by the Sheriff’s Office. In the hiring process I have implemented more detailed background checks, drug testing and the department is in the process of fully implementing psychological testing. “

Tregre said the SJSO just reached an agreement with the Parish to acquire a stretch of land on the West bank to develop a shooting range.

“I have a vision of turning the Sherman Walker Correctional into the St. John Sheriff’s Department,” Tregre said. “All departments of the Sheriff’s Office, including narcotics, CID, civil department and administration could be housed under one roof. Plans for a new correctional facility to be built behind the Sherman Walker facility would be a part of the renovations.

“I thank you for your support and I humbly ask for your vote on Oct. 24, 2015, so that I can continue to work hard for St. John.”