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Sheriff: Stay home to save lives; don't force me to arrest you

St. Landry Parish Sheriff
Posted at 11:11 AM, Apr 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-01 12:11:30-04

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz is asking residents to stay home to save lives.

He's also being blunt, and asking business owners and clergy: "Please do not force me to arrest you."

Here's the full statement:

FROM THE DESK OF SHERIFF BOBBY J. GUIDROZ

“As COVID-19 cases increase in St. Landry Parish, and our first death is reported in the parish, I am asking you to do your part in protecting, yourself, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, family, friends, our community, and those that are vulnerable due to poor health.”

Please follow these simple rules, you could save a life.

· Keep the 6ft. distance rule in mind at home and in the public;

· Avoid crowds of ten (10) or more people;

· Wash your hands regularly with soap and hand sanitizer;

· Remove your shoes, boots, footwear etc. upon entering your home;

· If you have been in the public among many people, upon returning home, immediately wash all clothes worn;

· When out in the public for survival necessities, food, fuel and medicine, remember to wear protective gloves as much as possible. Be mindful that many people handle and touch your grocery bags, medicine packages, mail and delivery packages;

· Sanitize your vehicle door handles, steering wheel, radio and air control knobs and vehicle keys;

· Be mindful of how many people touch gas pump nozzles, money, business door handles and cash receipts.

"WE SHOULD NOT JEOPARDIZE the lives of our spouses, significant others, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, community and other family members by not adhering to simple safety recommendations of our State and Federal leaders who have the best health professionals advising them in this crisis.”

“There are many religious programs on television, radio, and other meaning full methods to honor and pray to our God. As I believe, and do many of you, God is a loving and forgiving God. I truly believe our Lord will not hold it against us if we don’t go to a brick and mortar structure to worship in this crisis. My plea to you is to unite and stand together!

It could be 3-4 weeks before the threat of the Covid19 virus begins to diminish, maybe longer. That means it is up to all responsible citizens and elected officials to do our part to protect our families, friends, and community.

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND BUSINESSES IN ST. LANDRY PARISH!

The current situation has become so serious that I must intervene as the Chief Law-enforcement Officer of the parish!

As an elected official, I am constantly reminded of my duties and obligations to follow the oath I was administered almost 14 years ago, that is to PROTECT and SERVE the people I represent to the best of my knowledge and ability. I am duty bound and passionate about my commitment to obey and administer the law throughout the parish fairly to all citizens REGARDLESS OF THEIR STANDING IN THE PARISH OF ST. LANDRY!

I HUMBLY ASK, ALL CLERGY AND BUSINESSES TO NOT VIOLATE Governor John Bel Edwards’ proclamation relative to the ten (10) person attendance mandate which has the power of law.

There are many no cost technological solutions available to broadcast church services on social media. Upon the suggestion of my IT Administrator, Shane Garrard, we are happy to offer help and guidance to the religious community to setup these services so that we can safely practice our faith.

AND NOW THE STATEMENT I RELUCTANTLY MUST MAKE!

TO THOSE IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY; PLEASE DO NOT FORCE ME TO ARREST ANY OF YOU FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF THE GOVERNOR’S ORDER REGARDING THE SAFE GUARDS HE OUTLINED IN HIS PROCLAMATION. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS QUICKER AND SAFER IF WE ALL DO AS WE ARE ASKED TO DO.

RESPECTFULLY,

Bobby J. Guidroz, Sheriff