Volunteer Firefighters Complete Academy!

The 2nd Annual SWLA Volunteer Fire Academy started in October 2025 and was completed on June 25, 2026. The academy was hosted by Ward Six Fire Protection District No. One and volunteers from Hackberry Volunteer Fire Department, HOUSTON RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT, Jeff Davis Fire District 3, Jeff Davis Fire District 5, Ward 1 Fire Department, and Ward 6 Fire completed the curriculum. The firefighters received national certifications in Haz-Mat Awareness and Operations, Firefighter 1, and Firefighter 2.

The firefighters were honored with a graduation and badge pinning ceremony on July 2, 2026 at 6:30pm at the Iowa Community Center in Iowa Louisiana. The ceremony was attended by family and friends of each graduate with approximately 90 people attending.

Each Firefighter selected a family member or mentor to pin their badge following the Firefighter Oath of Office. A meal was provided by Acadian Ambulance Service and each participating department provided Hors d'oeuvres for the family and friends attending.

Department members attending and completing the Academy are as follows:

Hackberry VFD - Clint Welch, Michael Collins
Houston River FD - Dylan Goings, Jena Rollins
Jeff Davis FD #3 - Amber Wells, Lori Moreau, Cody Verret, Andrew Estay, William Fruge Aaron Landry
Jeff Davis FD #5 - Jacob Billeaudeaux
Ward 1 FD - James Fruge
Ward 6 FD - Michael Byrd, Seth Douglas, Anthony Peshoff Jr.

Scholastic Award: William Fruge - Jeff Davis FD 3
Academy Spirit Award: Lori Moreau - Jeff Davis FD 3

All of these individuals dedicate themselves to serving their communities as Volunteer firefighters. Ready at a moments notice to leave a family gathering, wake up at 2am, miss holiday dinners, leave church, and many other missed functions to respond to an emergency in the community. Take a moment to thank them for their service.

Iowa Volunteer Fire Department was instrumental in coordinating the use of the Iowa Community Center, planning and organizing the food items that were donated.

Iowa VFD Fire Chief also recognized Firefighter Michael Benoit and promoted him to Lieutenant at the ceremony.