Knights of Columbus Deputy of the Year Det. Ryan Melerine honored by Pres. Peralta and Parish Council

Det. Ryan Melerine, named the Knights of Columbus in Chalmette’s 2013 Deputy Sheriff of the Year, was honored at Tuesday’s Parish Council meeting.

Melerine, a seven-year veteran of the department, was proclaimed an honored citizen by the Parish Council and received a commendation by Parish President David Peralta.

Sheriff James Pohlmann lauded Melerine for good work as a patrol deputy in his 4 ½ years in the position, including working as a training officer for new deputies learning to work the streets, and in his as a detective since moving to the Criminal Investigations Bureau. Melerine also worked in the Communications Division when first hired in December 2006.

Shown, Sheriff Pohlmann shakes hands with Melerine in the Council Chamber.

Also, Melerine is shown in the first row with, from left, Knights of Columbus Program Director Fred Billiot, Peralta and Council member Casey Hunnicutt at right. In the middle row, from left, are Council members Guy McInnis, Ray Lauga, Nathan Gorbaty and Manuel “Monty’’ Montelongo; and in the back row are Sheriff Pohlmann and Council members George Cavignac and Richard Lewis.