Two Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Deputies Awarded for Positive Impact on Community

Lake Charles, LA -- Two deputies have been awarded for their commitment to the community and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Elrick Jones and Patrol Lieutenant Gerald Allen went above and beyond their call of duty to assist students at the Calcasieu Parish Alternative School in finding jobs in an effort to deter them from selling illegal narcotics on the streets.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office Deputy Elrick Jones, who is currently assigned as a School Resource Officer at the Calcasieu Parish Alternative School, strives to be a positive mentor to the students, and when necessary, provides council to students going through difficult times. Deputy Jones has taken this challenge to the fullest by earning his students’ trust and by being a non-judgmental listener.

 

Recently this year, he was speaking with some of the students and they explained to him why they sell illegal narcotics on the streets. They told him they believed that it was the only way for them to make money and they felt that no one would give them a job. Deputy Jones took that literally and challenged the students that if he got them an interview and hopefully a job that they would stop selling narcotics.
With the assistance of CPSO Patrol Lieutenant Gerald Allen, Deputy Jones then arranged several job interviews at a nearby business. In preparation for their interviews, Deputy Jones coached the students about how to interview for a job focusing on proper speaking and respect.

As the news of Deputy Jones’ efforts spread to the rest of the student body, he began to receive requests from several other students interested in his new program. Deputy Jones now has a list he keeps on his desk for students to sign if they want to take the challenge.

These deputies continuously fulfill their commitment to our community and our department. Deputy Jones is pictured with Sheriff Tony Mancuso receiving a Challenge Coin and Lt. Allen is pictures with Sheriff Tony Mancuso receiving a Commendation Pin. -- CPSO Facebook

Most of what needs to be done to make SWLA a better place to stay lies within all of us. We often refer to something as “It’s not my job”, but we all have a responsibility to stand up for not only ourselves, but for our youth. We get so wrapped up in our personal lives that we often look past someone right in front of us needing some form of help that isn’t always monetary.

I felt the actions of these two men deserved more than just a Facebook post, and all of us at “The People’s Station” 107 Jamz salute Deputy Jones and Lt. Allen for all that they continue to do for our community.