The Village of Evergreen had two major personnel changes at its May 12 meeting.

 

Evergreen Police Chief Charles Mayeaux was fired by a unanimous vote of the Village Council after a brief closed-door session to discuss “personnel matters.” There was no public discussion prior to the vote and Mayor John Armand would not comment on the council’s vote nor provide any reasons for the decision.

 

Prior to that vote, the council membership changed when Tracy Leger was appointed to replace Michelle Dupuy as one of the five alderwomen on the council. Ms. Dupuy resigned due to moving away from Evergreen.

 

Mayeaux took a leave of absence from his position in April. The leave was considered a “bereavement leave” due to the recent death of his wife, Shelley St. Romain Mayeaux, in a house fire March 18.

 

The police chief was at home at the time of the fire, but was uninjured in the blaze that destroyed the home and claimed his wife’s life. The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has not released any findings of its investigation.

 

Ms. Mayeaux served as a volunteer firefighter and was employed by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

 

Armand said Sheriff Doug Anderson assured him that deputies will  patrol the streets of Evergreen until a new chief is appointed.

 

“The council and I want to thank APSO for the help they are providing until we find another chief,” the mayor said.

 

Armand said the village is looking for the right person for the position and has not set a timetable on naming a new chief. 

 

In the other matter, Armand said he received Dupuy’s resignation letter and a letter from the Secretary of State authorizing an interim alderman to be appointed until a special election can be held to fill the unexpired portion of the term. The position will be on the November ballot.