NEW ORLEANS—Today, Hermes Beyond the Parade presented three grants to the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation and the New Orleans Emergency Medical Services Foundation, at NOPD Headquarters, 715 S. Broad St., at 10:15 a.m.
In attendance were J.T. Hannan, Hermes Beyond the Parade, NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison, Becky Benelli, New Orleans EMS, and Nathaniel Weaver, NOPJF.
The grants, which are being funded by private dollars, will support on-going public safety efforts within each organization.
Hermes BTP reps said the organization was inspired by civic efforts throughout southeastern Louisiana in response to Hurricane Katrina. Seeing that there was a gap in support services for area first responders, Hermes BTP was formed with the intent to address this issue, they said.
Hermes BTP is primarily supported by the 700+ members of the Hermes carnival organization, the oldest active night parade during New Orleans/ Mardi Gras. Members hail from professions ranging from law and medicine to commerce and trade who live and work within the community.
In addition to supporting first responders, especially Police, Fire & EMS, Hermes BTP will also be supporting long term solutions that address the region’s ongoing struggles with violent crime.
Early childhood education, workforce development and mentorship opportunities are also areas of particular interest to the organization.
