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SBSO PARTICIPATES IN GATOR HUNT TO BENEFIT AUTISM AWARENESS KREWE
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office joined the St Bernard Autism Awareness Krewe in supporting one of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers – The Parish Derby – which earlier this year raised more than $5,000 through the auction of an alligator hunting trip with Swamp People star Ronnie Adams from Swamp People. The Parish Derby helps provide resources for local families of children and loved ones with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other exceptionalities.
The lucky winners of the auction – representatives from Labat Construction, Burkhardt’s Air Conditioning, and Coast Concrete Services – joined Adams and local commercial fishermen Kim Serigne Jr., Mark Vogt and Cory Daroca of Bayou Bowfishing Charters, for an early-morning hunt on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Adams, a Violet native and longtime alligator hunter featured on Swamp People, partnered with local experts to raise funds while also helping to manage the parish’s alligator population.
“It’s always a blessing when you can use what you love to do to make a difference,” Adams said. “The best part of all this is knowing it’s going to help kids and families right here in our community.”
Sheriff James Pohlmann, who greeted the group at the dock, praised the effort.
“It’s inspiring to see so many people come together, from our local businesses to our outdoorsmen, to support a cause that touches so many families in St. Bernard,” the Sheriff said.
During the hunt, participants harvested eight alligators as part of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ population control program.
“It’s important that every tag issued gets used so we don’t get overrun,” said Capt. Brian Clark, of the SBSO Marine Division and a retired Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries agent.
Capt. Clark and his brother, SBSO Col. Chad Clark, commander of the Criminal Investigations Bureau, donated land and tags for the hunt and later hosted a shrimp and fish fry for the participants.
Daniel Dysart, president of the St. Bernard Autism Awareness Krewe, said the generosity behind events like this allows the organization to expand its impact.
“Donations like these make a real difference,” Dysart said. “Because of this support, we’re able to provide more than just awareness, we can offer kids with autism and other exceptionalities things like swimming lessons, summer camps, cheer and karate programs, and school supply giveaways. It gives our families resources and opportunities they might not otherwise have.”
Another highlight of the day, Capt. Clark said, was Serigne’s personal generosity. Serigne, who works as a nuisance hunter for both St. Bernard Parish Government and Wildlife and Fisheries, donated back $1,500 of the proceeds to the Autism Krewe.
As a nuisance hunter, Serigne responds to locals’ calls when alligators, snakes, or other wildlife pose a threat to neighborhoods, businesses, or waterways. His work not only keeps the community safe but also helps balance the delicate ecosystem of coastal Louisiana.
For more information about the St. Bernard Autism Awareness Krewe, visit St Bernard Autism Awareness Krewe.
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