LAPLACE — Deputy Javonna Cordova was honored as Officer of the Month by the St. John Business Association, recognized for showing initiative and proactive thinking resulting in an efficient and effective investigation that lead to a quick arrest in a rape case.

Deputy Bernell Charles was also recently named Officer of the Second Quarter for outstanding work promoting community outreach. Charles served as the facilitator for the SJSO’s first Citizens Academy.

The highly successful academy, attracting 22 participants, was the result of months of preparation and planning. Charles attended the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy to observe a working model, and then he created his own program for the SJSO.

“He has put in many hours beyond his part-time requirements to ensure that the program was a success,” Lt. Charles Wale said.

During the nine-week program, the participants had the opportunity to get an informative and interactive look behind the scenes of the sheriff’s office. Through lectures and demonstrations, they learned about the real world of law enforcement and how officers carry out their mission “To Protect and Serve” on a daily basis.

At their last session before graduation, the group also had the opportunity to participate in a use-of-force simulation and discuss use-of-force issues with officers.

“In my opinion, this program is one of the most interactive and informative adult programs I have participated in,” Wale said.

— By Angel Thompson, Special to L’Observateur