Mendoza holds community event, donates to Maurice Police, Fire Departments

MAURICE — Donald Mendoza has a goal to give back to the community continually.
On June 26, Mendoza Ford in Maurice played host to an Independence Day Celebration, including live music and fireworks. While it proved to be a great show, it also showed how serious Mendoza, the dealership’s owner, is about being a strong community partner.
Mendoza used funds raised during the Independence Day Celebration to donate a new vehicle to the Maurice Police Department and provide a monetary donation to the Maurice Volunteer Fire Department. Mendoza presented the donations Thursday morning.
“I’m a Biblical Christian,” Mendoza said. “I believe in service to the community. God has blessed me to be able to help.
“I want to help.”
That help is greatly appreciated.
“This is an incredible donation to the community,” Maurice Mayor Wayne Theriot said. “It shows a good partnership with the community, not only in Maurice, but for all of Vermilion Parish.”
With the donation of the fully equipped police interceptor, Maurice Chief of Police Guy Nerren said the department now has a fleet of 10 vehicles, the most the department has ever had at one time.
“We were in good shape,” Nerren said, “but this helps us go over the top with good units. In addition, I was approved to hire another full-time officer, so when that happens, we will have a unit for them and still have a spare.”
Nerren said the community is fortunate to have businesses like Mendoza.
“He’s one of 11 businesses that ponied up to help with our reward program,” Nerren said of the program where his officers are providing gift cards to safe drivers.
Nerren said he feels Mendoza’a gesture also shows gratitude to the work of first responders.
“Hopefully, it’s a reflection on the job that we are doing,” Nerren said.
For members of the Maurice Volunteer Fire Department, what it takes to keep the department going has reflected Maurice and the surrounding area...it continues to grow. Unfortunately, the department doesn’t have a permanent funding base.
“All of our guys are 100% volunteer,” Maurice Fire Chief David Landry said. “They leave their jobs when there is a call. The cost of equipment keeps going up every year.
“This (donation) helps offset some of the cost with a growing community.”
Landry thanked Mendoza and everyone in the community who helps keep the department going.
“It’s a great feeling to know that we have the community’s backing,” Landry said.
Mendoza’s hope is that efforts like this recent event can inspire others to help in the community. He said he plans on doing around four such events during the year, including a back-to-school drive and a Christmas event. Earlier this year, Mendoza held a car raffle that led donation of more than $140,000 to the Vermilion Parish Public School System.
“My goal is to get others in the community to want to help,” Mendoza said. “I have spoken to other business owners in the community, and they want to get on board. Vermilion Parish is a great place.
“If we help where we can, we can make positive changes and create an even stronger community.”