Police chief and part-time officers serve Plaucheville

Avoyelles’ “Blue Line”

 

{Editor’s Note: This is the second of a series featuring the law enforcement agencies in Avoyelles Parish. The series title is a reference to the “thin blue line” symbol used by law enforcement to commemorate fallen officers and the relationship between police and the communities they serve.}
   Providing police services to the approximately 300 citizens of Plaucheville is a full-time responsibility that is met by a police force of one full time police chief and eight part-time officers.
   Police Chief Claudia Weber is the village’s only full-time officer. She has eight part-time  patrolmen to ensure police coverage. They are: Matthew Smith, Michael Cammack, Tellis Bordelon, Trinity Stockman, Cody Desselle, Justin Chenevert, Eddie St. Romain, and Chad Fruge. 
   The number of part-timers varies during the year as some may leave and others are hired, Weber said.
   The department has a budget of about $65,000 and has two patrol cars, including one donated by the City of Carencro Police Department last year.
   Weber said she works mostly during the day shift, but handles other shifts when part-time officers can’t work. The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office also assists the village with regular patrols 24 hours a day, she added.
   “APSO is a big help to us because we are limited in officers,” Weber continued. “If we need a detective or some other help involving a case, they have always given us a hand.”
   The chief said everyone knows each other in Plaucheville and is in constant communication. If an officer is needed, Weber or one her officers are quickly notified by a member of the community.
   “We are just like one big family in Plaucheville,” Weber added. “We look out for each other. If someone needs help, this community comes together to support whoever is in need. It is one of the biggest reasons I love Plaucheville.”
   She moved to the village and bought a home there about six years ago.
   There are two schools in the small municipality -- Plaucheville Elementary School and St. Joseph Catholic School, which are located within a block of each other.
   Officers make regular patrols at the schools during the day to ensure they are safe. One special event that attracts attention is Plaucheville Elementary’s annual Mardi Gras parade.
   Officers from Plaucheville and APSO help with the St. Joseph School Fair each fall, the village’s Halloween festivities, the Christmas parade and Christmas in the Village event, and Plaucheville Appreciation Day.
  Officers also help with events at the Plaucheville Community Center and ballpark, including the Taste of Plaucheville in late August.