Not only have I seen people fail but I have also failed a time or two in my lifetime. The fact that I have failed makes me less likely to rejoice in the event that one of my peers might experience it also. Time and time again when a young person gets in trouble I’ve heard the parents of other young people say “my child would never do that.” Only to later have the wind knocked out of themselves when the nightmare invades their own family.  

Not because I can’t decipher what I’m being told but I absolutely hate to watch the news. It’s because I know there are millions out there that can’t. When you see the attack on police officers I would like to proclaim that this would never happen here but the truth is you never know when that one bad person or good cop will mess up and make a horrific mistake. 

I personally know all of the police officers in our communities. These men and women protect us and our property, and I will tell you there’s no finer group in the world than what we have right here in Vernon Parish. I just want to make sure you understand this one thing. Every day when they put on that badge there is a chance that they will be put in a dangerous situation and they will have to make a split second decision. And unfortunately It might be different if they would have had time to talk it out and defuse the situation but it’s literally an issue of life and death. 

This excerpt of scripture applies to us all, Mathew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.’ I pray for you all daily and I am proud to back the police officers in every city, town and village of Vernon Parish. 

Back the Blue!

Your Mayor,

Rick Allen