Community reacts

By: TONY MARKS
Editor
HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor

Following the deadly shooting of Deputy Marshal Barry Giglio, community members expressed their reaction to the news.

Mayor Ryan Leday Williams
“On behalf of the City of Ville Platte, we extend our thoughts and prayers to everyone who was affected by this tragedy, and our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones and colleagues of Deputy Marshal Barry Giglio, who was killed in the line of duty.”
“This tragedy is yet another reminder of the sacrifices men and women in law enforcement make each and every day when they put on their uniform and badge, not knowing if they’ll come home to their families at the end of each day.”
“Deputy Marshal Giglio’s ultimate sacrifice in service of his community will never be forgotten.”
“In closing, life is a precious gift that God affords us daily and should not be taken for granted.”
“The posture for our city must always be prayer, not just as a response, but prayer as a defense. We, as a community, have to pray in a way that dismantles these systems.”

Chief of Police Al Perry Thomas
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I, Chief Perry Thomas, on behalf of the Ville Platte Police Department, extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy City Marshal Barry Giglio, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this devastating incident.”
“The Ville Platte Police Department remains committed to supporting law enforcement officers and their families, and we stand together, shoulder-to-shoulder, with the City Marshal’s Office ready to provide any assistance as it navigates through this profound loss.”
“In times like these, we are reminded of the inherent risks and sacrifices that law enforcement officers make daily to protect and serve our communities. Their immeasurable dedication to duty and their willingness to put their lives on the line to ensure our safety deserves the utmost respect and gratitude.”
“In closing, let us honor Deputy Marshal Giglio’s memory by remaining steadfast in our commitment to protect and serve with honor, integrity, and dedication while upholding the values he held dear.”

State Representative Rhonda Butler
“I’ve known Deputy City Marshal Barry Giglio for years. This is a loss to our community. He was a friend to everyone and a servant to our community.”
“I send prayers to his family and for our entire community. He will be missed.”

Former District Attorney Brent Coreil
“Barry Giglio was a very, very good friend of mine. I’ve known Barry for many years through difficult times and working with him when he was a sheriff’s deputy. He was very cooperative. Everybody loved him. He was very friendly. He guided people through the courthouse. We lost a real good member of the community.”
“It makes no sense at all. Our community is really spiraling in a wrong direction and I do hope that with our new administration coming in that they really, aggressively try to take care to make this a better town and community.”
“It’s time for the justice system to put away in prison those who commit these heinous crimes. I would venture to say that the people responsible for Barry’s death are not first time offenders. And what is happening in the judicial system is punishment has gotten too lax. People are not afraid to commit crimes. And it’s not just here, it’s throughout the country. It’s in our back yard and now a good friend of mine is dead.”
“He was a good guy, always willing to help people and do his job. I am really, really saddened by this loss. I lost a friend, but the community lost a good man.”
Hillery Hill
“We complain that we have some bad people. Monday night was very bad. But, we have a lot of good people. I see a lot of good people here. But good people don’t make the headlines. The problem is people take too much for granted and don’t take things seriously anymore.”

Kenneth O’Connor Jr.
“Probably this man’s worst mistake for him and his family was to move to Ville Platte and Evangeline Parish”
“He left New Orleans to get away from all that crap and the flooding from the hurricanes, came here and loved our little community, and decided to relocate.”
“He spent tons of money rebuilding a restaurant that was loved by our community, then, when it started doing well, he and his family were accused of and destroyed by false accusations that not only caused him to lose his restaurant but made many people look down on them. They had to walk around knowing what people were saying about them, even though it was all lies!”
“But the man didn’t give up. He still worked for us, our community, and did his best to fit in.”
“Becoming a jailer, he worked with the Sheriff’s Office. There is possibly other stuff I’m not that familiar with, then he worked with our City Marshal’s office. And, because our community is failing, we have some good trying to make changes, But it takes more than a few. Our city is falling apart, and it cost this man his life.”
“Little did he know or realize, our community wasn’t much better than the place he was leaving.”
“RIP, Mr Barry. You were much respected by many. Thanks for trying to help out to make our community a better place.”