“Vested” interests

Budgetary constraints of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office have led to Sheriff Charles Guillory becoming dependant on other law enforcement agencies for much needed upgrades to supplies. One recent upgrade, though, came from the generosity of a Lafayette car company who took a “vested” interest in law enforcement. And, all it took was a phone call.
Captain of Communications Monica Reed saw a television segment about Giles Automotive presenting bullet proof vests to the Opelousas Police Department. She relayed what she had seen to Sheriff Guillory, and he gave his blessing for her to reach out to the company in order to replace the sheriff’s department old, ragged vests.
“The others were probably 15 or 20 years old and outdated,” said the sheriff. “They probably couldn’t even stop a bullet.”
Sheriff Guillory said Giles “didn’t blink an eye” after he was contacted. The sheriff added, “It was decided we would go to a company in Lafayette. Then, Mr. Giles took the bull by the horns and called the place. They were here in a couple of days to fit everyone with these much needed vests.”
The vests were presented to the sheriff’s office on Thursday, January 28.
The sheriff went on to say, “These vests are much appreciated, and I thank Mr. Giles for giving that donation for us to make the officers safer. These vests are modern and up to date. I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”
Giles expressed, “From our perspective, we, as a company, believe it’s important to support the community around us. Particularly, for me, I think our law enforcement is very important. For these guys who go out everyday and protect us and protect our families, schools, children, and workplaces, they need to be able to go out and feel like they have some protection when they do so.”
“For us to be able to be in a position to donate these 24 bullet proof vests so these guys can go out everyday and do the job they’re paid to do to protect our community is a blessing to me that we’re in a position to do that,” he continued. “When Monica called me, we were more than happy to step up and buy this protection and these bullet proof vests for the sheriff’s office here.”
Giles also challenged other companies to also give back. “We believe, as a company, it’s important to give back to the communities we work in, do business in, and raise our families in,” he said. “It is a duty for every company to do that. So, we try to set an example in the community by giving back, and we encourage other businesses to join us in doing the same.”
Sheriff Guillory concluded, “These vests are much appreciated for officer safety, and the patrolmen are very grateful for having this equipment.”