Quillan Chief of Police
Quillan is a quiet village with the exception of fete season. In July and August, vacationers descend and bands play until early morning, bars and restaurants are jammed, and the pulse of the village is altered. Through the quiet of most of the year and the boisterous summer months, the local police work with the Gendarmes and National Police to ensure safety without interfering with fun. At the heart of those maintaining a tranquil atmosphere is Pierre Fernandez, the Chief of Quillan Village Police. We met for coffee and with the help of Ineka van Meckelenbergh as translator, I learned about the man in charge of keeping us safe.
Pierre grew up in Beziers, but spent many family holidays in Nebias where his relatives had been involved in sheltering resistance fighters during WWII. At the age of 18, he began his law enforcement career in Paris where he was a member of the National Police for ten years. During this period he spent a year completing his academic training in Nimes. After his time in Paris, Pierre returned to Beziers where he continued on the police force until he was offered the Chief of Police position in Quillan two years ago. He and wife Lucy, a teacher in Malvies, have a one year old son, Paul. Pierre can often be seen pushing Paul around the village in his stroller.
Since becoming Chief, Pierre has been very visible within the village. He heads a staff of three full time officers who are also responsible for Brenac and La Valle. Each day he maintains contact with the local Gendarme unit; they coordinate responsibilities. He enjoys serving the citizens and protecting the region. “Incivilities” is the largest problem he cites - people who simply refuse to follow rules. “To live well together, you have to respect the rules.”
Pierre serves Quillan in another capacity as coach of the local rugby club. He will come out of retirement to play in the season opener Sunday, September13th. I was planning to attend - now there is a greater reason to be there. His family is important, and he returns occasionally to help his retired father and his brother in a family vineyard near Beziers. Presently they sell the grapes to a local winemaker, but plans call for having a family label in two years. His travel experiences are closely tied to family roots. Both he and his wife are of Catalan heritage and they visit Barcelona and central Spain on holidays.
Pierre is a major reason we all feel safe in the village. It’s market day - Pierre and his staff will be there interacting with residents, both locals and expats.