Abbeville Rotary Club honors Allen Bares Jr.

Just shy of one year ago, a family lost a father, husband and son, many more lost a friend and Vermilion Parish lost a dedicated public servant.
On June 23, 2014, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Allen Bares Jr. was killed in the line of duty.
The Abbeville Rotary Club recognized Bares’ memory this week when it posthumously honored him with its “Public Service Award.” Rotary Club President Jim Russo presented the award to Bares’ wife, Tina.
“We have been doing this for years,” Russo said of the award. “We do this whether it is law enforcement or fire protection. We do it for one of our public servants.
“It is with honor that we present this award in memory of Sheriff’s Deputy Allen Bares Jr.”
Vermilion Parish Sheriff Mike Couvillon, a member of the Rotary Club, had one reaction when fellow Rotarians Richard Primeaux, Charles Dill and Russo approached him about awarding the honor to Bares.
“As the Cajuns say, you get the frissons when you are overcome with joy,” Couvillon said during the Rotary meeting. “We can’t think of anyone more deserving than Allen Bares Jr.”
Couvillon stated why he feels that is the case.
“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line each day they pin their badge and leave their home,” Couvillon said. “It’s what we sign up for and what we do, protect and serve.”
Allen Bares Jr. honored that until the end.
“Allen believed in God and Allen believed in family,” Couvillon said, “and Allen was a team player at the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“His dedication to the job of protecting and serving cost him his life.”
Bares was mowing a lawn on June 23, 2014, his day off.
“Allen was off duty and answered the call of duty when he saw suspected criminal activity in the neighborhood where he was mowing grass,” Couvillon said. “Allen could have easily ignored that call and went about his business. Instead, Allen was a true 24-7 deputy.
“When you know you are a deputy and something arises, you are going to respond.”
Allen Bares Jr. was shot and killed during his response that day.
“His oath to protect and serve was genuine, long and committed,” Couvillon said, “causing him to go from being off duty to on duty.
“He honored his duty to protect and serve.”
The sheriff said Bares’ legacy is one nothing short of courage.
“This type of honor and commitment is what the rest of us aspire to hold and demonstrate,” Couvillon said, “if and when we are faced with this same situation.”
That legacy will not soon be forgotten.
“Allen gave his life to all,” Couvillon said. “It is our wish and determination that he never be forgotten. Allen’s VP number was VP 32. I promised Tina that as long as I am sheriff, there will never be another VP 32.
“Allen Bares Jr. is VP 32.”