This Tuesday, Oct. 15, is National Night Out Against Crime. It’s that time of year when citizens and first responders come together for a few hours to get to know each other better. It’s also a great time to show the criminals that our team is stronger than theirs. This year we currently have over 30 parties registered parish-wide.

NOAC has been around since 1984, which simply started out as neighbors turning on their porch lights and sitting outside of their homes. Citizens would have cookouts, live music, and dancing, with visits by police officers, firefighters, and paramedics with safety demonstrations, exhibits and projects for residents.

Members of SJSO will be out in full force as we fan out throughout St. John Parish to meet as many of the residents we serve in a three-hour period. Again this year, we will have a group of officers dress up as Superheroes and other crime fighting characters. Please try to be ready early so we can have enough time to cover the majority of the parties held. Whether you are attending a NOAC party or not, just put your porch lights on this upcoming will let us know as we pass by that you are present in spirit and part of the team to keep St. John Parish safe!

SJSO will also be out for Halloween making sure we maintain a presence to keep our kids safe. Members of SJSO will be distributing glow sticks for kids to wear so we can all see them better. You should see many police units with lights on, and riding slowly around all streets to try to keep the order and safety at its highest level for the children’s enjoyment.

In other news, the SJSO Annual Senior Citizens Thanksgiving luncheon will be held next month Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Regala Gym. There will be bingo, door prizes and live music for all to enjoy. Lunch will be served at 11:15 a.m. We typically prepare for 400 attendees, and this year will be no different. Please take a minute to offer a ride to an elderly person in your family or neighborhood who might not be able to attend simply due to transportation issues. It is a great event for our senior citizens.

Finally, some members of SJSO will be wearing pink shirts on Mondays during the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The funds collected will be donated to a local organization. Any time you see our staff wearing anything other than our standard uniform, you can be sure we are using the privilege of wearing Saints gear, college or high school sports paraphernalia or simply jeans on a Friday, we are in the mindset of helping a charitable organization. It’s just another way we protect and serve.

Also, since SJSO has been able to acquire more of the Percy Hebert Building, some renovations are in progress. Please pardon our dust but if you have a minute, stop by to see for yourself. We will announce when the work is completed and dates for an open house will be announced.

Get ready for the HOLIDAYS St. John!!! We are on the countdown.

 

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