St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office holds appreciation dinner for Reserve Division

Posted: December 10th, 2018 | Filed under: News Releases

A celebration was held Dec. 6 at The Palms, Too in Arabi to honor members of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The purpose of the event is to recognize the dedication of the Reserve Division deputies – unpaid, volunteer officers who supplement the department’s police force in specific situations.

Capt. Charles Borchers, commander of the Reserve Division, said Reserve officers work during large scale events such as festivals, parades and athletic events throughout the parish, as well as performing extra patrols at local businesses during the busy holiday shopping season.

During the banquet, Sgt. Chris Palazzalo, a deputy with the Reserve Division since 2012, was recognized with a Commendation Award for having the most hours worked and demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the Reserve Division.

Rita and Floyd Gue and Chris and Bill Haines with the Meraux Foundation attended the event and presented the Sheriff’s Office with a generous donation for the Reserve Division.

Sheriff Pohlmann thanked the Reserve Division deputies during the banquet for their devoted services.

“We couldn’t do what we do so efficiently without the help of our Reserve Division deputies,” Sheriff Pohlmann said.

Capt. Borchers said there are currently about two dozen Reserve Division deputies, and the department always welcomes new applicants.

“You do not need a background in law enforcement,” Capt. Borchers said. “We provide all training and supply uniforms as well.”

Reserve Division deputies attend an 80-hour basic law enforcement in-service training course, twice a week for 10 weeks. Capt. Borchers said many Reserve Division deputies have gone on to become full-time, paid officers.

To apply, Capt. Borchers said a person must meet the following criteria:

-Live in St. Bernard Parish

-Be at least 21 years old

-Have earned a high school diploma or GED

-Have a clean police record; background checks will be conducted.

For more information, or to obtain an application, contact Capt. Borchers at (504) 278-7628 or Sgt. Eric Eilers at (504) 278-7799.

Sgt. Chris Palazzalo, a deputy with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Reserve Division since 2012, was recognized Dec. 6 with a Commendation Award for having the most hours worked and demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the Reserve Division. At the Reserve Division appreciation banquet are, from left: Capt. Charles Borchers, commander of the Reserve Division; Reserve Division Lt. Tony Jeansonne; Sheriff James Pohlmann; Sgt. Palazzalo; Reserve Division Capt. Joe Ricca; and Sgt. Eric Eilers.