By David Vitrano
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Mike Tregre recently held a luncheon to thank the local community for its supports during the department’s campaign to replace bulletproof vests damaged during Hurricane Isaac.
“Today is about saying thank you,” said Tregre. “When we get together … criminals cannot beat our team.”
For the luncheon, Sheriff’s Office employees lined one side of the long tables while members of the community lined the other, symbolizing the interdependent relationship of the two. The setup also offered community members the opportunity to meet some of the men their generosity is helping to protect.
As Sheriff’s Department officers completed rescue efforts necessitated by the Isaac flooding, some swam through floodwaters wearing the protective vests.
“Once these things get saturated, they lose their bullet-stopping ability,” said Tregre.
And to drive the point of just how important the vests are, Tregre pointed out two very special guests at the luncheon, Deputies Michael Scott Boyington and Jason Triche, both of whom were seriously wounded during the attacks of Aug. 16 that left two of their colleagues dead.
“Jason’s been through some things most of us hopefully will never have to go through,” said Tregre in introducing Triche, who spent several months in the hospital following the shootings.
Tregre also praised his employees for their perseverance during what can only be described as a particularly trying period for the department.
“We’ve had quite an adventure over the past eight months or so,” he said. “Not one officer quit. That’s dedication.”
In all, the campaign raised $138,000 from donations from individuals, businesses and civic and social organizations. The money was enough to buy 135 vests.
“Even the dogs get vests,” Tregre joked.
Following a lunch cooked by Sheriff’s Office employees, community members were called to the front of the room to have photos taken of them handing the vests to deputies.
“That’s going to be your vest buddy from now on,” said Tregre.