Sheriff’s Office christens new fleet facility

A new, 6,000 square-foot automobile maintenance facility will be used by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office for routine maintenance and repairs on the more than 200 vehicles that make up the department’s fleet.

The facility, which is located on the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center property in Killona, has four deputies assigned to it as mechanics. Inmates also assist with cleaning and handle minor duties, according to Capt. Pat Yoes, Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

The maintenance center was dedicated in honor of Lt. Michael "Mickey" S. Bergeron, who passed away in 2010 after a long battle with cancer. After being a reserve deputy for many years, Bergeron became a full time deputy in 1996 and was assigned to the patrol division. He progressed to the rank of lieutenant with oversight of the department’s fleet maintenance section.

"It was always Mickey’s dream for the Sheriff’s Office to have its own maintenance shop," Yoes said. "A mechanic by trade, he laid the foundation for the facility and was instrumental in its planning."

Sheriff Greg Champagne agreed.

"Mickey fought a courageous battle with cancer in 2010 and we regret that he was not able to see the project come to fruition," he said. "Accordingly, it is fitting that the facility be named in his honor."