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The past few months of 2020 have been what people call, “something else!”

The month of July seemed to be prime time for criminals who have been pulled over by the State Police in St. John to break away and run! Over the past month, our citizens have witnessed day-long manhunts in scorching heat with helicopters, K-9s and four wheelers throughout our neighborhoods. The talents of our team were tested, but in the end we were successful.

And let’s not forget the two separate cases of individuals who decided to barricade themselves in their homes for hours, each forcing many hours of a police standoff before a resolution could be reached. Both events was handled by our team of trained hostage negotiators without significant incident or injury to the suspect or officers. In both cases of standoffs, I would like to thank the citizens who complied with instructions to vacate their houses. I also want to thank those who offered us water and snacks while we negotiated a peaceful resolution.

On a different note, I am writing this monthly column from the confines of a 14-day quarantine. On Tuesday, August 4, 2020, I began to experience fever. I was tested for COVID-19 on Wednesday and got positive results on Thursday. I have been in quarantine since that time.

This virus affects everyone in different ways. My symptoms have included headache, fever, chills, body ache and sore throat. I do not have any respiratory issues, but I have been using a humidifier as a precaution. I take Tylenol for fever every four hours. But when the fever comes back it really drags me down. Lots of people call and text to share their stories about their symptoms and what they did to recover. I don’t think I tried them all yet but some ideas worked very well. I have even gotten a few offers to fill in for me as sheriff while I’m out.

I would also like to recognize all of the prayer warriors out there. I am truly blessed, and it makes me feel so much better to know that people care even if we may have had differences. I just want to say “THANK YOU” to St. John Parish residents.

In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t wish my daughter, Jasmine Tregre, a happy 27th birthday. I wish I could celebrate with you, but we will celebrate later.

Stay safe, St. John!

 

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