Baton Rouge Fire Department

08/26/2026

BRFD is proud to recognize District Chief Bruce Magee as he retires after 30 years of service to the Baton Rouge Fire Department. 🚒

Chief Magee joined BRFD in July of 1996 and dedicated three decades to serving the department and the citizens of Baton Rouge. At his retirement, Acting Deputy Chief James Magee, Bruce’s brother, had the honor of presenting him with his retirement badge.

The Magee family has deep roots in the Baton Rouge Fire Department. Bruce and James are the sons of retired Assistant Chief James Magee Sr., reflecting a family tradition of service to the citizens of Baton Rouge.

We are grateful for Chief Magee’s years of service and the lasting impact he has made on BRFD. We wish him a happy and well deserved retirement.

08/24/2026

🔥 Already hold Firefighter I & II, EMT, and Hazmat Awareness & Operations? You may qualify for BRFD’s Fast Track Academy, an accelerated academy for already certified firefighters.

🗓️ Applications close Sept. 4.

Apply 👉 brla.gov/913

08/22/2026

BRFD is proud to recognize District Chief Otis Granville as he retires after 30 years of service to the Baton Rouge Fire Department. 🚒

Chief Granville joined BRFD in July of 1996 and dedicated three decades to serving the department and the citizens of Baton Rouge. Throughout his career, he made a lasting impact through his leadership, experience, and commitment to the firefighters he served with.

We are grateful for Chief Granville’s many years of service and the lasting contribution he has made to BRFD. We wish him a happy and well deserved retirement.

08/21/2026

Dinner shouldn't end with Engine 7 in your driveway. 🚒

When cooking with oil or grease, stay in the kitchen and keep your attention on the stove. Keep anything that can burn away from the cooking area, and have a lid nearby before you need it. If a fire becomes too large to safely control, get everyone out and call 911.

Cook smart. We'd rather not invite ourselves to dinner.

08/21/2026

Some memories are worth sharing again.

This is Captain Phillip Paternostro at the firehouse, guitar in hand and singing Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” At the time, it was just another moment at the station, a song and some laughter with his crew. Today, it gives us a glimpse of Phillip as the people who knew him remember him.

On August 21, 2023, we lost Captain Paternostro to cancer attributed to his service as a firefighter. Today, we remember his dedication to the fire service, the friendships he built and the countless memories he left behind.

Three years later, Phillip is still missed, still remembered and forever part of the BRFD family.

This video was uploaded from an Android phone.

08/19/2026

Got certifications? We got jobs.

Firefighter David Knouse came to BRFD through our Fast Track program, completed an abbreviated academy, learned how we operate, and was soon riding Engine 14, serving District 39 in north Baton Rouge.

You may be closer to a BRFD firehouse than you think.

You’ve earned the credentials. Now earn your place here.

🔥 Ready to make your move?
Apply at brla.gov/913

08/18/2026

BRFD is pleased to recognize Dylan Bergeron on his promotion to Fire Equipment Operator. 🚒

Bergeron joined the Baton Rouge Fire Department in June of 2014 and has spent more than 12 years serving the department and the citizens of Baton Rouge. His new role brings added responsibility in the operation of fire apparatus and supporting crews during emergency response.

We congratulate FEO Bergeron on this career milestone and look forward to his continued service with BRFD.

08/18/2026

The strip behind your TV? Probably fine. The one running your space heater? That's the one we're talking about. 🔌

⚡ Space heaters, ACs, microwaves pull 10 to 15 amps. Wall outlet only, always.
🔗 No daisy chaining. Cord into strip into cord overloads the circuit.
⚠️ Cracked or frayed? It goes in the trash, not back in the wall.
🔥 Nothing under rugs. Hidden damage is the kind that starts fires.

Only one outlet in the room? That's the real problem, and an electrician is cheaper than a fire.

08/17/2026

Please join us in congratulating two members of the Baton Rouge Fire Department on their recent promotions!

Raymond Hunter has been promoted to Fire Safety Officer. Hunter began his career with BRFD in July 2004.

Shelton Vicari has been promoted to Fire Captain. Vicari began his career with BRFD in April 2007.

Congratulations to Fire Safety Officer Hunter and Captain Vicari on these well-earned promotions. We wish them continued success in their new roles!