by KAREN LAGRANGE COX
Vance Olivier’s commitment to Broussard is to fight crime, serve the public and ensure the safety of its residents. Olivier, a Lafayette native, has been Police Chief for the Broussard Police Department since June 14, 2021.
Olivier actively seeks out new trends in battling crime to help him and his department protect residents and their property. Olivier advised preventing crime in Broussard is a vested interest for him due to his family being residents of the city.
Working alongside Olivier is his assistant chief Tony Ashy, the entire police force, and staff. Ashy is another set of eyes and ears for Olivier while working to ensure the police department runs smoothly. The police force patrols the city and responds to calls.
Relationship building is part of his job that Olivier said he enjoys doing as it allows him to meet new people.
Both Olivier and Ashy work to educate the public in part by providing safety tips, attending public events, and speaking at schools and homeowners associations. The Broussard Police Department hosts the annual National Night Out which is a community-police awareness-raising event. Olivier and his team also started Community Walks in which they walk neighborhoods for an opportunity to meet residents.
A humbling job, Olivier said he is blessed to serve as police chief in Broussard. His role enables him to address the concerns of its citizens that help to improve their quality of life.
Prior to being police chief, Olivier worked at Lafayette Police Department for twenty-six years. During his time with Lafayette Police, he worked as a patrolman, field training officer, canine officer, recruiter, watch commander as a Lieutenant, detective, and in narcotics. He also worked for the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office for five and a half years prior to working for the Lafayette Police Department.
Olivier comes from a family with six siblings whose father is a retired Louisiana state trooper. Married with two grown daughters. In his off time, he enjoys weightlifting, running, and spending time with his family and friends.
Olivier encourages anyone with any type of police-related matter to contact the Broussard City Police Department at (337) 837-6259.
