Lake Charles Fire Department

06/03/2026

Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Lake Charles Fire Department!

Join us in celebrating the graduation of Recruit Class 261, consisting of six dedicated individuals who have successfully completed more than 16 weeks of intensive training at the fire academy.

During their training, these recruits earned certifications in:

• Hazardous Materials Awareness
• Hazardous Materials Operations
• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• Rope Rescue Awareness
• Emergency Medical Responder

These certifications represent countless hours of classroom instruction, hands-on training, physical conditioning and unwavering commitment to serving our community.

Mayor Marshall Simien, city administration, and fire department leadership are proud to recognize these graduates as they complete this important milestone and prepare to begin their careers in public service.

Over the next week, these firefighters will report to their assigned shifts and begin serving the residents of Lake Charles. We thank them for answering the call to serve and wish them success as they embark on this rewarding and challenging profession.

Congratulations, Recruit Class 261, and welcome to the Lake Charles Fire Department!

05/04/2026

This is incredible news to bring you on International Firefighter Appreciation Day!

We are so proud of this rating and thankful to the entire team who has worked so hard to make this a reality.

“This Class 1 rating is the result of years of hard work, coordination and investment in our fire department, water system and emergency response capabilities,” Chief Delton Carter explains. “From improved hydrant coverage to enhanced training and equipment, our team remains committed to providing the highest level of service to the citizens of Lake Charles. This recognition reinforces that commitment and motivates us to continue raising the bar.”

The Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) has completed the Public Fire Protection Classification review for the City of Lake Charles and issued a Class 1 rating to residential and commercial properties located in the City.

This marks the first time the City has achieved a Class 1 rating, improving from its previous Class 2 designation. The Lake Charles Fire Department is also one of only 10 municipal fire departments in the state to earn this distinction. Most importantly, the Class 1 rating may lead to reduced fire insurance rates for property owners.

“This Class 1 rating is a major milestone for the City of Lake Charles and a reflection of the strategic investments we’ve made in our infrastructure and public safety systems,” says Mayor Marshall Simien. “Our residents and businesses deserve the highest level of protection, and this achievement demonstrates our commitment to building a safer, stronger community. We’re proud of the work that has gone into earning this distinction and the potential savings it may bring to our citizens.”

The purpose of the survey is to gather information to determine the proper Public Fire Protection Classification of the City and the classification is used by member companies of the PIAL to develop fire insurance premiums.

“I congratulate the City of Lake Charles and Lake Charles Fire Department for earning this Class 1 rating,” says Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. “These improvements to the City’s emergency response capabilities and water system send a clear signal to the market that Lake Charles is committed to public safety, which can lead to lower property insurance premiums by reducing the risk of fire loss. I encourage every resident and business owner in Lake Charles to shop around by contacting multiple agents and insurance companies to take full advantage of this new rating.”

PIAL cited the City’s improvements to hydrants, water service and other applicable factors as the reason for the higher fire rating.

“This Class 1 rating is the result of years of hard work, coordination and investment in our fire department, water system and emergency response capabilities,” Chief Delton Carter explains. “From improved hydrant coverage to enhanced training and equipment, our team remains committed to providing the highest level of service to the citizens of Lake Charles. This recognition reinforces that commitment and motivates us to continue raising the bar.”

The Class 1 rating goes into effect on June 1, 2026.

For more information, call Lake Charles Fire Administration at (337) 491-1360.

04/14/2026

04/13/2026

Join us in recognizing the voices behind the scenes, our dispatchers, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

At the Lake Charles Fire Department, their dedication is the critical link that helps connect our firefighters to the community when seconds matter most. In life’s most uncertain moments, they provide calm, clarity and reassurance; helping guide every response from start to finish.

We are incredibly grateful for the essential role they play in protecting lives and serving our city each and every day.

04/06/2026

🚨 Blood Drive Alert – Help Save a Life! ❤️🩸

The Lake Charles Fire Department is hosting a blood drive to support Brianna M. Kirkwood, daughter of Chief Brian Kirkwood. We need your help to replenish the supply!

📅 When: Friday, April 10 | 8 AM – 1 PM
📍 Where: LCFD Training Center – 609 Sycamore Street

Your donation could make all the difference for Brianna and others in need. Come out, roll up your sleeve, and help save a life!

03/10/2026

The Lake Charles Fire Department and City of Lake Charles are proud to announce that the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association (LFCA) Board has officially appointed Lake Charles Fire Chief Delton Carter to serve as the Association’s representative on the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL) Board of Directors.

PIAL is a private, nonprofit organization recognized statewide for its role in evaluating fire protection and building code enforcement to help establish insurance ratings for communities. PIAL works closely with fire departments, municipalities, and insurers to assess risk, promote improved fire protection practices, and support safer, more resilient communities across Louisiana.

“I am honored to be selected to represent the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association on the PIAL Board of Directors,” said Chief Carter. “I appreciate the trust the LFCA Board has placed in me, and I look forward to contributing to the important work of strengthening fire protection and supporting the communities we serve across Louisiana.”

This appointment reflects the LFCA Board’s confidence in Chief Carter’s leadership, experience and dedication to advancing fire protection and public safety across Louisiana. The City of Lake Charles commends this achievement and recognizes the importance of contributing local expertise to a statewide body focused on risk assessment, fire protection ratings and community resilience.

“We are extremely proud of Chief Carter and his appointment to the PIAL Board,” said Lake Charles Mayor Marshall Simien. “His experience, professionalism and commitment to public safety make him an outstanding representative for the City of Lake Charles, the Lake Charles Fire Department and the Louisiana fire service. As we recently completed our PIAL evaluation and await the final results, we are especially pleased to see Chief Carter’s expertise throughout this process being recognized at the state level. His leadership will benefit not only our community, but communities across the state.”

For the latest City of Lake Charles news and information, visit www.cityoflakecharles.com. Follow the City on Facebook at facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana or on Instagram .

03/06/2026

The Lake Charles Fire Department has selected Chief Joseph Dantley as our February Employee of the Month!

Joseph Dantley was hired with the Lake Charles Fire Department in 1999. Being a motivated and responsible employee, Joe D (as he is affectionately called) worked hard and earned the promotions that resulted in his current rank of district chief on “A” shift.

Chief Dantley is known to be a beacon of encouragement, always willing to give a motivational speech and be a cornerstone of faith while educating those around him. He is a dependable and knowledgeable employee, as well as being consistently reliable.

Joe D is joined in the fire service by his son, Caleb.

It is for these reasons the Lake Charles Fire Department has selected Chief Joseph Dantley as our February Employee of the Month.

Congratulations Joe!! Thank you for your dedicated service!

03/05/2026

The Lake Charles Fire Department has chosen Captain Andrew Lee as our January Employee of the Month.

Andrew Lee joined the Lake Charles Fire Department in 2008. Following in his father, the former Assistant Chief Charles Lee’s footsteps, Andrew rose through the ranks as a dedicated employee. He was eventually promoted to captain and helmed the “McNeese” truck for many months.

Captain Lee is also a member of the board of union Local 561, as well as the regional representative for the Police and Fireman’s Insurance Association. He spends his time mentoring the firemen coming up the ranks behind him while providing support and assistance in all aspects of their lives.

It is for these reasons the Lake Charles Fire Department has chosen Captain Andrew Lee as our January Employee of the Month.

Congratulations Andrew!!

03/05/2026

The Lake Charles Fire Department is pleased to announce our recent promotions!

· Adam Arabie has been promoted to Firefighter First Class
· Adam Gaynard has been promoted to Firefighter First Class
· Jackson Hardesty has been promoted to Firefighter First Class
· Jacob Leubner has been promoted to Firefighter First Class
· Tillman Skinner has been promoted to Firefighter First Class
· Steven Stanley has been promoted to Firefighter First Class
And, last but not least,
· Arnn Powell has been promoted to Captain

Please join us in congratulating these great firefighters! Thank you for your dedication and service.

01/26/2026

UPDATE: Both overpasses are now open for travel.

As of 8:05 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 25, 2026, the Enterprise Boulevard Overpass, between Fournet Street and the I-10 Service Road, and the Shattuck Street Overpass, between Opelousas Street and the I-10 Service Road, are now open.

For more information on City of Lake Charles services, call (337) 491-1346, visit www.cityoflakecharles.com and follow www.facebook.com/LakeCharlesLouisiana.

To connect with community resources, dial 211. As always, in the event of an emergency, dial 911.

Sign up to receive alerts and notifications from the City of Lake Charles at Alerts & Notifications • CivicPlus Portal or by texting LakeCharles to 38276.