‘The Man with The Hat’ guest speaker at First Baptist Church senior luncheon

The man with the hat..”Everywhere I go people say,” I like the hat.”
Lt. Higgins was the guest speaker at First Baptist Church in Eunice’s monthly senior luncheon.
Lt. Clay Higgins with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff spoke to a group of seniors July 30.
On the topic of his hat, Higgins at first wearing the hat, did not like it. He said, “It was uncomfortable to wear. I didn’t like it, however, as time when on..it served its purpose,” he said with a laugh. “My hat worked great protecting me in the rain and the bright sun.”
Higgins, a public information officer with Crime Stoppers, and a 17-year police veteran, provided informative tips for seniors’s safety at home. He also addressed scams and frauds that seniors fall easily victim to.
Lt. Higgins encouraged and gave tips on how to stay safe at home. “Keep the outside of your home well-lit. Criminals like dark and like to stay in the shadows.
He added, “Invest in a good lighting system, use them under carports and exteriors of your home, and this is in addition to the ‘sensor’ and ‘motion’ lighting.
He also suggested for seniors to keep doors and windows of homes securily locked. “You may even invest in an alarm system.”
Higgins encouraged senior citizens to never hesitate to call 911 when in need. “Don’t ever hesitate to use 911 system. We are here for your safety and well being. They will respond as quickly as possible and assist you. 911 dispatchers and the St. Landry Parish sheriff office work side-by-side and as a team. They are expert-trained to react to these calls quickly together.”
Higgins said scams, delivered over telephone, are targeted to many of the older generation. And Why? “Our older generation use land-line telephones, which provides people access to your name, your address, and other information.”
Higgins said, “Scams and frauds are from ‘fake’ or non-existent people who prey on people that freely give out information.
Higgins gave heed and warning to the group, “Be aware. Don’t give away your money to non-existent businesses, people or any other kind of nature. Don’t give out any kind of personal bank account information and social security numbers.”
Fraudulent people do their research and have access through social media means. Higgins added, “They can access and research your relatives and lie about a situation, only to get your money.”
The St. Landry Sheriff department issues public releases to media, and sends out specific warnings to not fall for scams. “If they want money... its a lie,” says Higgins.
“We are here to protect you.”