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LAPLACE—A new sheriff reported for duty at the St. John Sheriff’s Office last week. Parker Gaudet, a second grader at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in LaPlace, took the reins from Sheriff Mike Tregre when Sheriff Tregre welcomed him as Sheriff for a Day. Parker won this title for being the top bidder of Sheriff for a Day in the SJA spring fair’s auction.

Sheriff Tregre reported to SJA first thing in the morning to deputize Parker before an audience of his classmates. Deputy Brian Kennedy provided security throughout the day for Sheriff Gaudet as they traveled in a police unit to various divisions for morning reports. The new sheriff was introduced during a staff meeting, and he received a warm welcome from commanders at the meeting.

Sheriff Gaudet enjoyed touring the Lloyd B. Johnson Law Enforcement Training Center including the virtual reality room, the gym, and shooting ranges. He also toured the 911 Communications Center, the Criminal Investigations Division, the Civil Department, and Patrol Headquarters. He enjoyed visiting with K9 officer Milli, riding in the all-terrain vehicle Zeus, and checking out the SWAT team’s BearCat armored vehicle and the SJSO airboat. Parker learned about fingerprinting in the Crime Scene Division.

Parker spent time with Sheriff Tregre in his personal office, and Sheriff Tregre also treated Parker to lunch.

His favorite part of the day was playing fetch with Milli, Parker said.

It was a pleasure to share duties for a day with Sheriff Gaudet, Sheriff Tregre said.