JEANERETTE — Deputies with the Jeanerette Marshal’s office were issuing warm hugs and plenty of hellos Friday morning at the Maison Teche Nursing Center in Jeanerette. 

The men in uniform were the residents’ special guests as administrators at the facility hosted its first Deputies and Donuts event. 

“It’s just a way to say thank you to the police officers in Jeanerette and New Iberia,” Maison Teche Administrator Hayley Boutte said. 

Residents at the facility were glad to see the deputies’ smiling faces. Some said they’ve been looking forward to the breakfast gathering all week.

“I think this is very nice. We need to help the police by letting them know their good for us,” resident Cheryl LeBlanc said.

It’s a sentiment shared by those in charge of the center.

“Jeanerette (deputies) have helped us with all kinds of things. (For example) We had a Sugar Cane Festival parade for the residents and they escorted us through the neighborhood,” Boutte said. 

Four deputies, Lt. Walter Kimble, Chief Deputy Gary Stevenson, Jeffrey Prince and David Robertson, along with Jeanerette Marshal Fernest Martin, visited with residents and encouraged them with small talk and open heartedness. 

“It shows that cops aren’t bad guys they’re really people’s people and they love us and are here to protect us,” resident Derek Williams said.

Marshal Fernest Martin was a hit with the residents. 

“I’m excited about this, this is what life is all about not only giving back to the community but giving back to the elderly in the community,” Martin said. “I like talking to the residents and speaking a little French with some of them. It’s a blessing,” he said.

Residents seemed to enjoy the conversation as much as the continental breakfast which included bagels, fruit, juice and of course donuts.

“It’s nice them coming here. You feel safe with them here and they’re getting to know everybody,” Jeanette Broussard said.

And that’s exactly what organizers were hoping. 

“We just want them (residents) to know that they’re protected and that they have someone working for them to keep them safe.” Boutte said.