Knights of Columbus in Chalmette recognizes Sheriff’s Deputy, Firefighter and Paramedic of the Year; Deputy Brad Alfonso, Firefighter Capt. Brad Tregle and EMT Steve Benci honored
Archbishop Rummel Council 5747 of the Knights of Columbus in Chalmette recognized a Sheriff’s Deputy, Firefighter and Paramedic of the Year during its Christmas party on Sunday, Dec. 18 in its council hall on Paris Road.
The Knights also gave a donation to the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division.
Sheriff’s Dep. Brad Alfonso, a veteran of the Sheriff’s Office for more than seven years, was Deputy of the Year.
Capt. Brad Tregle, veteran of the parish Fire Department for more than 15 years, was named Firefighter of the Year.
And Steve Benci, who has worked more than 11 years with Acadian Ambulance, was named Paramedic of the Year.
Grand Knight Russell Serpas Sr. said the Knights of Columbus gives the awards “to recognize our public servants. We appreciate the work they do in this parish.’’
A native of St. Bernard Parish, Alfonso has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2009, working in the Communications Division, in the Corrections Division and now as a patrol deputy for nearly three years.
Sheriff James Pohlmann said it’s wonderful that the Knights of Columbus “recognize our public servants in St. Bernard Parish. You have some top notch people working here in the Sheriff’s Office, the Fire Department and for Acadian Ambulance.’’
The sheriff also praised Alfonso as being dedicated to keeping St. Bernard safe and is a “great deputy, a guy young guys can look up to.’’
District Fire Chief Rusty Constantine lauded Tregle for the job he has done in rescue situations including immediately after Hurricane Katrina.
Benci was praised by Lamar Williams, operations supervisor for Acadian Ambulance, for his work in St. Bernard Parish.