Vermilion Parish senator pre-files bill to name portion of Highway 167 as ‘Deputy Allen Bares Memorial Highway’

District 26 State Senator Jonathan “JP” Perry pre-filed legislation for consideration at the 2015 Regular Session this spring to honor the late Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Allen Bares Jr. Deputy Bares was shot when he responded to suspicious activity he observed while off-duty last June.
Sen. Perry’s proposed legislation would name a portion of U.S. Highway 167 in honor of Deputy Bares. The portion of U.S. Highway 167 between the southern corporate limits of the village of Maurice and the northern corporate limits of the city of Abbeville would be named the “Deputy Allen Bares, Jr. Memorial Parkway”.
“I believe it is only fitting for the state to take note and honor Deputy Bares’ selfless commitment to serve and protect the safety of Vermilion Parish citizens, even when not on official duty. This proposal to name a portion of the highway in his honor is an effort to do just that,” Sen. Perry said.
Deputy Bares served in law enforcement for 15 years, including a short time with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office before returning home to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office under the administration of Sheriff Michael A. “Mike” Couvillon.
While cutting grass as a sideline job on his day off, Deputy Bares witnessed what he thought was a suspicious vehicle in a rural neighborhood. Due to some recent residential burglaries, he suspected possible criminal activity and called in to report it. According to reports, while waiting for authorities to arrive, he approached the vehicle. When he identified himself as a sheriff’s deputy, he was fatally shot.
The pre-filed legislation has not yet been given an official bill number. The measure will be considered by lawmakers during the 2015 Regular Session which begins April 13, 2015.