S.O. Reserve Division at highest number since Hurricane Katrina and sheriff wants to add more; Several just graduated basic law enforcement training

A perfect attendance award for members in the Reserve Division training rcourse recently held was named the “Johnny Huff Always There Award,” in honor of deceased Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Johnny Huff, who started as a member of the reserves in the 1970s and became a full-time officer in 1995. Huff family members attended the presentation. Shown, from left, are sheriff’s Training Director Maj. David DiMaggio, Dennis Martin, brother in law of Johnny Huff; Kathleen Huff, widow of Johnny Huff; award co-recipient Frank Auderer III, Sheriff James Pohlmann, co-recipient Matthew White, Huff’s son and daughter Timothy Huff and sheriff’s Capt. Angela Peraza; and Capt. Charles Borchers, commander of the Reserve Division.

Sheriff Pohlmann addresses graduates of the Reserve Division and corrections officers’ training classes.

St. Bernard’s Sheriff’s Reserve Division, unpaid volunteer officers who supplement department manpower for special occasions such as athletic events, parades, festivals and other gatherings, is now at its highest number since Hurricane Katrina and Sheriff James Pohlmann is looking for more applicants.

The Reserve Division, headed by Capt. Charles Borchers who is also head of Community Relations for the Sheriff’s Office, is now up to 27 members.

In a recent ceremony, 10 from the group just graduated a 100-hour basic law enforcement training program given by Maj. David DiMaggio, director of department training.

Five corrections officers from St. Bernard Parish Prison also graduated at the same ceremony after receiving what is called POST Level 3 training from DiMaggio.

Sheriff Pohlmann, speaking to graduates and families in a ceremony in the sheriff’s Training Center in Chalmette, noted that decades ago the Reserve Division had almost 100 members.

Gradually, the number declined and after Hurricane Katrina, when many St. Bernard residents never came back to live in the parish, the number was down to less than 10.

Sheriff Pohlmann said, “One of my goals has been build to build up the Reserve Division again and we want people who are truly committed to the Sheriff’s Office.

Saying he is glad to see the reserves at their highest number in years, he encouraged members to be proud of what they are doing to help their community. The sheriff has said he would like to see the Reserve Division grow to least 40 members and said applicants of quality are welcome to submit an application.

“We have come a long way in the talent of people who work here (in both the regular and reserve forces),’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “I have raised the bar. We pride ourselves on professionalism and I believe we are respected by residents for our professionalism.’’

DiMaggio announced the creation of an award for perfect attendance during the 100-hour training course.

Called the “Always There Award,’’ it is named in honor of Deputy Sheriff Sgt. Johnny Huff, now deceased, who started as a St. Bernard reserve deputy in the 1980s and became a full-time officer in 1995.

The first recipients were Reserve Division Deputies Frank Auderer III and Matthew White.

Attending the presentation were Huff family members Kathleen Huff, Johnny Huff’s widow; daughter Capt. Angela Peraza of the Sheriff’s Office, Huff’s son, Timothy Huff; and Huff’s brother-in-law, Dennis Martin.

Also, Reserve Deputy Dixie Dusang won first in academics in the reserve training, Deputy Aaron Johnson was second and Deputy Chris Palazzalo was third.

Others who graduated the reserves training course were Deputies Laurence Amberson, Sal D’Antoni III, Merlin Flores, Corey Gonzales and Shelton Smith.

Corrections Division deputies who graduated the training program were Thomas Cosse, Cynthis Gioe, Eric Eilers, Mel Navo and Lisa Vaccarella.

Capt. Borchers said he is still accepting applications for the Reserve Division from St. Bernard Parish residents who have a clean police record and would like to serve their community.

Borchers can be reached at (504) 278-7628 for further information and applicants will be directed to fill out further paper work.

To apply for the Reserve Division an applicant:

– Must live in St. Bernard Parish.
– Be able to pass a background check and drug screen, which would be done on all applicants.
– Be at least 21 years old.
– Have earned a high school diploma or GED.