One month from today, the New Iberia Police Department will begin patrols in the city, but not before getting a little help from some neighbors.
"We go live July 1, 6:00 a.m, so we need cars to put the employees in to work in this community," says Captain John Babin of New Iberia Police.
When New Iberia asked for these cars, the Lafayette Police Department answered.
"We were fortunate enough that we had five vehicles that were being retired and were scheduled to go to auction, and in turn, we will donate them to them," says Sergeant Vance Olivier of Lafayette Police.
On Tuesday, May 5, 2018, the Lafayette City-Parish Council is expected to authorize that donation.
"It’s definitely something that we appreciate, being a brand new police department, building from the ground up, we have certain needs," says Babin.
Lafayette Police say they’re more than happy to help a neighbor.
"It makes me feel good that we can reach out to other agencies to help them get started in their venture, and it’s a new police department so I think it’ll be a great opportunity for them to maybe not have to spend as much money to get up and running," says Olivier.
With a smaller financial burden and 30 days until they’re on patrol, New Iberia Police are eager to start their mission.
"We want everyone to trust us and to understand that we’re here to help and work for this community," says Babin.
