I remember seeing the actor Don Adams as Agent Maxwell Smart (aka Agent 86) on the series “Get Smart” when I was growing up. He was always talking on a cell phone in his shoe.

For the 60s and 70s that was unheard of, but these days it would not be surprising if someone has a cell phone shoe! Advances in technology are happening daily, if not hourly, in today’s world. Things like telling Alexa to turn the music on when you enter the room is common.

I have found that SJSO is one of the few departments in the metro area that does not have a robot! And, we recently had an incident where a robot could have been deployed instead of our K9s or other officers being put in a dangerous situation.

After that, I texted Sheriff Joe Lopinto with Jefferson Parish, asking if he had a robot.

He immediately called me asking where do I need the robot so that a JPSO Deputy could be en route immediately.

Luckily, I only wanted to get some advice on the type and model of his robot, but it’s good to know that our neighboring law enforcement partners stand ready to assist us at the blink of an eye.

Recently, I attended a conference with three members of my SWAT team to research the new technology of robots used in law enforcement. This conference had so many tools and gadgets to offer law enforcement that the convention center seemed to be as large as two superdomes stacked on top of each other.

But all in all, I did find the robot vendors. Since the conference, one company has already made the trip from Minnesota to give our whole team a demonstration of his product.

The temperature there is was well below 0 degrees, so, he was happy just to be in Louisiana with a temperature of 55 degrees and sunny. (We all had jackets on while he wore a polo shirt only).

Another vendor is scheduled to be here in a couple of weeks. Maybe he’s trying to time his visit with Mardi Gras! I will keep the citizens posted on our technology progress.

As I do every year, here is a little warning to the guys … Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14.

• Don’t forget your flowers and candy. But most of all, don’t forget that little extra love and attention for your special person.   

This year, my wifey and I will be celebrating 29 years of marriage in May. No candy for her. Strictly pampering like pedicure, manicure, massage, dinner and, of course, lots of love and attention.

• Parades in St. John Parish will start on Saturday (March 2) at noon for Tohwahpahsah in Reserve. On Sunday (March 3) for the first time we will have one parade directly after another. Krewe Du Monde will roll at 11 a.m. directly followed by Krewe of Dajé on the same route in LaPlace.

So stay safe and let the good times roll …. Alexa, put some Mardi Gras music on!!!

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