Says “rush to judgment” a factor in recent attacks on officers
In light of recent police shootings in Baton Rouge and Dallas, as well as a heated debate being waged nationally over cases of alleged police brutality, to be a law enforcement officer in these times is that much more stressful a duty.
But a number of St. Charles Parish residents are doing their part to make it known that the sacrifices and efforts made by their local police officers are noted and appreciated.
A local group, for example, visited the Sheriff’s Office to pray for SCSO officers, bringing donuts to officers to enjoy. Likewise, the cast and crew of NCIS-New Orleans brought a plate of delicious treats along with a note that read: “We stand tall with you. Thank you for your continuous support.” Wal-Mart also delivered cakes to them.
“We certainly appreciate all of it,” said St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne. “There’s been a great outpouring of support, not just for us, but other agencies around the state. They’re welcome gestures and we’re very happy to have that support.
“Hopefully, everyone didn’t gain too much weight,” Champagne also quipped in light of the wave of pastries his office received.
The sheriff offered his comments while in Baton Rouge, where he was showing support for that city’s police department following Sunday’s tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of three officers and wounded three others.
He said his message to his officers has been to “keep their heads held high, but to stay on high alert.”
“They understand, though, that overwhelmingly the people in our area are supporting them,” Champagne said.
Dr. Allison Hamada, owner of Hamada Orthodontics, is another who wants to show her appreciation of the men and women of the police department.
Hamada said her office is teaming with fellow Destrehan dentistry Sweet Tooth Dental to plan a gathering later this year for that purpose. While she notes the event is still in the early planning stages, the date and time is set for Oct. 20 from 4 – 6 p.m.
“We want to show how appreciative we are for everything they do,” Hamada said. “We want to invite all of our patients and their families and friends, as well, to join us.”
Hamada said her practice usually holds a “patients’ appreciation” get-together each summer, but this year she felt it should serve a larger purpose.
One thing that drove her to do this is her positive interaction with SCSO deputies over time — some of those instances, she said with a chuckle, she’s a little embarrassed to note.
“Somebody (at Hamada’s practice) invariably sets the alarm and we accidentally trigger it,” she said. “It happens constantly. They never lose patience with us when they come out to answer. It’s always, ‘Don’t worry about it,’ or ‘It’s fine, it’s no problem at all.’ And it seems like a small thing, but when I see everything going on, I thought back to that and really wanted to show them our gratitude.”
One idea she noted for the party would entail having children who are patients of the two teaming dental practices write letters to individual officers to offer a thank you.
“It might be something where each child pulls a name out of a hat,” Hamada said. “We’re still batting around ideas. But I think having something personalized like that, coming from the youth in our community … we have access to a thousand kids. We’re hoping the parents would encourage them to participate.”
She said the celebration will feature games, noting in the past they have featured a video game truck at patient appreciation days, and jambalaya will be served.
In addition, St. Charles Parish will be hosting a blood drive to replenish the supply for the injured officers in the Baton Rouge shooting from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 27 at the St. Charles Parish Courthouse in Hahnville.
“It’s important that we do our part to help the police officers injured in Sunday’s events” said Parish President Larry Cochran “We are asking that parish employees and residents come and donate blood to help these gentleman.”
Those interested in donating are asked to call (985) 783-5000 to schedule an appointment.
While Champagne said the community acknowledgement is certainly a morale lift for his officers, he acknowledged that times are difficult. He said recent shootings are examples of events that could happen anywhere, any time, by the hand of individuals who are mentally unstable. Those unstable individuals, he believes, are being at least in part spurred into action by what he called “hostile, inflammatory rhetoric” spoken by some national leaders, as well as a “rush to judgment” in incidents where all facts are not known.
“Those words have impact on the mentally ill, and I truly believe that’s the cause,” Champagne said. “Our political leaders have to take responsibility for the things they say. The prejudgment we see in cases where force is used … due process has to be served. The story of both sides isn’t out there early, and our national leaders have to take a deep breath and let the system work.
“We all feel the same,” he added, speaking of the other sheriffs from around the state he’s spoken to in recent days. “It’s a very tragic situation, and on top of that, an unnecessary one. I hope those who agitate and fuel the public’s anxiety, particularly those in public positions, realize the effect it has and consider that in the future.”
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