Franklin Police Chief Beverly CAA's Grand Marshal

Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly Named Grand Marshal for St. Mary CAA Krewe of Head Start Parade 2020
Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly will serve as the 2020 St. Mary CAA’s Krewe of Head Start Parade Grand Marshal, CEO Almetra J. Franklin announced.
Franklin expressed delight at having the former State Trooper and Franklin native lead this year’s parade. “He is a man of great integrity, who reached the pinnacles of success as a top law enforcement officer,” she said. “Now, he has returned home to help impart the values and traditions that make this town, parish and people so special.”
Beverly said he is thrilled to lead St. Mary CAA’s 27th Annual Head Start Recruitment Parade, which is scheduled for Saturday. “As a native of this town, I was encouraged to return home to protect and serve the people, who I hold dearly in my heart,” the chief said. “I am excited to serve as Grand Marshal for this great parade, which has so much tradition and importance.”
Chief Beverly was born in Franklin, the third of five children, to parents Charles E. Beverly and Sarah Tillman Beverly. He and his three brothers and one sister grew up in a spiritual home filled with love, where he learned at a young age the importance of hard work and perseverance. He attended Franklin Senior High and graduated in 1971. Beginning September 1979, Beverly attended the Louisiana State Police Training Academy and graduated Dec. 23, 1979.
The chief’s illustrious 30-plus year career as a State Trooper included a 1994 promotion to the rank of Sergeant at Troop C in Gray. In 2003, he was promoted as Regional Lieutenant of the Transportation and Environmental Safety section of the State Police over Troops C, D, and I. During that tenure, he oversaw a command post in charge of assisting in the cleanup and recovery of Space Shuttle Columbia, which exploded over parts of Texas and Louisiana in 2003, killing the seven astronauts on board.
Beverly retired from the Louisiana State Police in September of 2008, but soon returned to work as the appointed Louisiana Highway Safety Commission as a Law Enforcement Liaison. He held that position until December 2018, at which time Franklin Mayor Eugene Foulcard appointed him as Franklin’s Police Chief
The chief and his wife of 40 years, Florence Haynes, have three children, Christopher, Brittany, and Kelleye, and five grandchildren. He is also an avid fisherman and golfer.
The annual Krewe of Head Start Recruitment Parade for 2020 will roll through the streets of Franklin Saturday at 1 p.m. Since the early 90s, the Krewe of Head Start Parade has served as St. Mary CAA’s major recruitment tool for Head Start’s pre-school children aged 3-5 and allows the agency to market other services available to our Head Start families and Individuals.
The parade also highlights and markets the premiere early childhood programs in St. Mary Parish through the St. Mary Parish Early Childhood Network and Ready Start Network which focuses on quality and school readiness for children aged 0-5.
This year’s Krewe of Head Start Recruitment Parade’s theme is “Head Start Goes to Hawaii!” Line up begins at 11 a.m. along Cynthia Street and in Franklin Senior High School secured parking area. The student parking area will be available for parents and participants to park. The parade route leaves Franklin High School, proceeds onto Main Street and travels through downtown Franklin.
There is still time to participate in the parade, and entry forms may be obtained at the St. Mary CAA Central Office, located at 1407 Barrow St. in Franklin. Any one completing this form must also provide a copy of their driver’s license and insurance.
Fees are: Floats and flatbeds $35; trucks and cars, $25; dance/drill teams, $10; and walkers $5. For the second year, the parade will feature “Trucks on Parade,” showcasing fathers and father figures.
For more information contact David Teno, Jeffery Beverly or Reginald Patterson, at 337-828-5703.