January 29, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, pg: 675-2137

Fire Department Produced Another I-20 Fire Chief

Education and diverseness said to be the key

With last week’s news that former Fire Department EMS Chief Richard Lazarus had been tapped as Longview, Texas’ new fire chief, Shreveport Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran is beginning to see a trend - one that he likes. According to Cochran, Lazarus’ selection marks the fourth municipal fire chief between Monroe and now Longview to come from the Shreveport department.

As you look at the map, it is a very impressive accomplishment for any fire department to have placed so many individuals in top positions with other fire departments, says Cochran, who believes when other professional recruiters see Shreveport Fire’s name on a resume, it commands attention. This is due in part because of the diverseness of services the Shreveport department offers. Other than fire suppression, the department is also the emergency medical services (EMS), hazardous material, bomb disposal, and water rescue provider for the area. "Fire departments are looking for individuals with multifaceted background in the fire service because today’s fire service is so dynamic and assorted," says Cochran.

They are also looking for those with advanced educations, something the chief of Shreveport is pushing in his new agenda. Today’s fire service leaders are expected to function as strategic administrators and plan for today but more importantly tomorrow. "College education is imperative for the success of today’s fire organization," says Cochran.

The following is a list of current and former Shreveport Fire Department members now serving in fire chief positions:

• Longview, TX., Fire Chief Richard Lazarus: selected 2001; former Shreveport Fire EMS chief, retired from Shreveport in 2000; education - bachelors’ degree.

• Shreveport, LA., Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran: selected 1999; formerly served as Shreveport Fire Assistant Chief of Training; education - bachelors’ degree.

• Monroe, LA., Fire Chief Jimmy Bryant: selected 1998; formerly served as Shreveport Fire Training Officer; education - bachelors’ degree.

• Marshall, TX., Fire Chief Kenneth Snyder: selected 1992; formerly served with Shreveport as a fire investigator from 1965-85; education - associate degree.

Can Dallas be far behind? "Who knows," says Cochran. " I wouldn’t put anything past the potential of the men and women of this organization." ###