Flag for a ‘brother’

More than a month after losing Allen Bares Jr., members of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Department continue to honor their fallen brother.
The Abbeville Woodmen of the World, Chapter 7, joined the members of the VPSO Thursday morning during a ceremony to replace the flag in front of the parish jail.
The flag taken down, one that flew at half staff for the 30 days following Bares’ death, will be named in his honor.
“It’s symbolic of law enforcement grieving for a fallen brother,” VPSO Col. Kirk Frith said of the flag remaining at half staff. “After the 30-day mark, a new flag is put up and it returns to full staff.”
After being taken down and properly folded, members of the sheriff’s department presented the flag to Bares’ wife, Tina.
The Allen Bares Jr. VP 32 Flag will be permanently displayed in a case at the parish jail. The 32 represents Bares’ now retired badge number.
“As long as this administration is here,” Frith said of the current leadership of Sheriff Mike Couvillon, “that badge number is not going to be used. I think if it is anyone (currently) from this office who carries the torch after Sheriff Couvillon, they will adhere to that.
“The number will be respected.”
As it has done many times before, including for law enforcement agencies around Vermilion Parish, the Woodmen donated a new flag that will now fly in front of the jail, 24 hours a day.
Patricia Istre, a field representative with the Woodmen of the World, said Thursday that it is an honor to offer the flag that will replace the one taken down in Bares’ name.
“We normally change all the flags in this area,” Istre said. “We donate flags to all non-profit organizations that contact us. The jail is one that we often do. We wanted to do a special presentation because of what happened. Everything an officer does to help the community is honorable.
“He gave his life in the line of duty and that gives this so much meaning.”
Frith said the department is always grateful.
“The Woodmen of the World has been good to us over the years when we have needed flags,” Frith said. “Law enforcement, like the military, can fly flags 24 hours a day. We do that and the Woodmen of the World has always helped us replace our flags when they become worn. They will bring us a flag, without hesitation.
“This (replacement) is certainly special.”
The flag ceremony comes three days after officials from around Vermilion Parish, as well as those with the sheriff’s department, took part in a ceremony to officially name the road going to the jail in honor of Bares.
“The road naming is a big part of honoring him,” Frith said. “We want to do whatever we can to honor him.
“It allows us to maintain Allen’s presence.”