Myra Miller
The quarterly TRIAD meeting was held Wednesday in Eunice at the VFW Hall.
Seniors gathered to hear guest speakers, visit health booth vendors, listen to live music, play bingo, win door prizes and enjoy a free noon luncheon.
TRIAD is an agreement between the National Sheriff’s Association, International Association of Chief’s of Police and the American Association of Retired Persons. It was implemented to protect senior citizens through activities that inform them of the latest fraud and scam’s tactics.
In April 1994 St. Landry Sheriff’s Office, AARP and 10 municipal chiefs of police in St. Landry Parish signed the first Triad agreement. St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office have spearheaded the TRIAD by sponsoring the crime prevention workshops.
The workshop and meeting provides a full morning of information on fraud, identity theft, drugs awareness, personal safety, and other safety issues concerning senior citizens. Workshops are held in all over the parish to reach senior citizens.
Groups average around 250 during the workshops and 300 to 500 at the TRAID Christmas Party in December. After the workshops guests are treated to free lunch with all the trimmings. The workshop also includes door prizes from area merchants ranging from home decorations, personal items, to security equipment. Seniors also play bingo for prizes.