I would truly be remiss if I did not start off my first monthly article after the election with a sincere expression of  “THANKS” to all of the citizens who voted to re-elect me as Sheriff. I will never take this honor and the trust that the majority of the citizens have given me for granted. I will continue to work just as hard in my third term as I did in my previous two terms.

As I start my third term, the biggest concern of the citizens is the same as it was in the beginning of my first term. Traffic violations all over the parish have not subsided, despite our ongoing efforts. The habit of people continuing to roll through traffic lights up to seconds after it turns red is irresponsible and dangerous.  Speeding motorists are a major complaint as well, especially in the neighborhoods. Some drivers appear to be late for work in the morning, and this is the most common time of day for speeding. About two months ago, I actually had to make a traffic stop and issue a citation because someone passed me up in a no passing zone. I did have to get a marked unit to bring me a ticket book, but I think I may start to keep one in my unit for times such as this. The driver’s excuse for passing me was that he was running late for his son’s  baseball game. Well, Mr. Ponchatoula was really late after being pulled over by the sheriff!

So, 2019 is coming to an end, and we are quickly heading to 2020. It’s time to talk holiday safety. Every year during the holidays, SJSO schedules extra patrols in the shopping centers. This will begin on at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 until Dec. 31 at midnight. This security detail is financed solely by SJSO and is designed to be a highly visible deterrent to the criminal element with the goal of keeping our shoppers safe.

As a reminder, car burglaries seem to increase as criminals watch for shoppers placing bags in their cars as they continue to shop. We are asking citizens again to, “Help Us Help You” by locking your car doors at all times. When you get home, please bring your valuables inside of your home instead of leaving them on the back seat in plain view inside the car. And of course, don’t leave the spare key to your car in the glove compartment…yes this has happened quite a few times in the past.

Monday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day. The annual parade starts today (Saturday) at 10 a.m. and travels from the Home Depot parking lot and end at the War Veteran’s Home in Reserve. Please come out to Airline Highway to honor our Vets.

 

Our Annual Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Regala Gym. We expect about 400 seniors citizens to attend. Bingo starts at 10 a.m. with door prizes given in between games. Entertainment and lunch will follow.

In closing, I am thankful to still be your sheriff. From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Mike Tregre is sheriff of St. John the Baptist Parish. Reach him at m.tregre@stjohnsheriff.org.