The month of October means cool weather, football, Halloween and, yes, the end of Hurricane Season.

It’s an exciting time for all of us. The weather is finally dipping below 90 degrees and we are starting to feel a small sense of relief about not having to deal with any tropical weather. Here at the Sheriff’s Office, we continue to move forward with new projects and upgrading old ones.

I’m sure most of you have had the opportunity to see our new Bike Patrol Unit. This unit was one of my initial goals prior to becoming Sheriff. Thanks to the donation of two local businessmen, Mr. Pat Sellars and Mr. Kerry Brignac, the sheriff’s office was able to purchase five police grade bicycles. We then held physical fitness try-outs in the department for officers interested in participating in the Bike Patrol Unit.

I was very impressed with the number of officers interested in participating!

Once our squad was selected, training classes were held so that these officers were properly prepared before hitting the streets or sidewalks. The Bike Patrol’s debut was at a West St. John football game.

Since that time, officers have worked details on bikes at Riverside, East St. John and St. Charles Catholic. Look for them at the Andouille Festival. The overall response from the citizens has been very positive.

Officers can cover a lot of ground in a short period of time, while being in areas that police cars cannot travel. The bikes are quiet and low profile, yet quick with easy on and off access.

In the upcoming Holiday Season, you can be sure that you will be seeing the Bike Patrol in the parking lots and along the sidewalks of the business corridors. This will be added security for our holiday shoppers.

In the mean time, Halloween in just around the corner. I ask that you take all safety precautions possible to keep our little ghosts and goblins safe.

SJSO deputies will be patrolling and handing out glow sticks to make sure all of our small ones are easily seen.

As we have done in the past two years, sexual offender checks will be conducted prior to trick or treat, and notices will be posted on the homes where sex offenders reside to ensure that no trick or treaters come to those doors.

The cool weather is coming, and all I want to say is “Happy Fall Y’all!!”

Mike Tregre is Sheriff of St. John the Baptist Parish. He can be reached at sheriff@stjohnsheriff.org.