Knights of Columbus donates $2,000 to Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division as part of more than $50,000 it gave to parish groups, churches, schools and individuals

The Knights of Columbus Archbishop Rummel Council 5747 in Chalmette has given a $2,000 donation to the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division as part of more than $50,000 it gave to St. Bernard groups churches, schools and individuals.

The donations, given Aug. 24 at the Council’s monthly social, came from funds raised through the Knights of Columbus’ annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival held in Chalmette each Spring.

Grand Knight Cisco Gonzales said more donations will be made this year.

The money for the Reserve Division was given in recognition of the group of volunteers’ work providing security for the Crawfish Festival.

Capt. Charles Borchers, who heads the Reserve Division as part of duties that include directing Community Relations for the Sheriff’s Office, thanked the Knights of Columbus on behalf of Sheriff James Pohlmann.

He said the Reserve Division, which has risen to about 30 members, is composed of St. Bernard residents who volunteer their time to supplement regular sheriff’s deputies at special events including parades, festivals and other activities in the parish.

The $2,000 donation will go toward training, purchasing uniforms and other costs associated with the Reserve Division, Borcher said.

Any parish resident who would like to apply for the Reserve Division can call Borchers at (504) 278-7628.

Others benefitting from donations by the Knights of Columbus included St. Bernard Church, Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church and School, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, the St. Bernard Parish schools’ special education programs, Lynn Oaks School, Project Graduation and several individuals.