November 20, 2008 - SFD’S Chief of Training is Retiring
After 28 Years of Service

Brian G. Hollins is retiring

Fire Chief Brian A. Crawford has announced the retirement of Brian G. Hollins, Chief of Training Division after twenty-eight (28) years of service to the Shreveport Fire Department.

The Shreveport Fire Department will honor Chief Hollins on:

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008
Time: 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: 6440 Greenwood Road

Hollins began his career with SFD as a firefighter working at Station 6 in the MLK area in August 1981. By 1987 he had advanced to fire medic driver and to fire medic officer in 1988. In 1990, Hollins was promoted Training Officer, then to Assistant Chief of Training in 1999 and eventually taking the helm as Chief of Training in 2003. Hollins is the first African American to hold the position of Chief Training Officer.

“At 18 years of age, I was blessed to become a member of the Shreveport Fire Department. During my tenure I have been used as an instrument to serve and save lives. My service to the citizens of Shreveport has prepared me for service in the ministry. I was called to pastor six years ago, and though it is tough to leave it will be rewarding because I will continue to serve others” said Hollins.

“The contribution that Brian has made to the department and the citizens of Shreveport is enormous. Hollins’ global thinking has brought diversity and regional awareness to fire training academy by opening the doors to Southern University Shreveport and Wiley College as off campus sites for higher learning. Additionally, Chief Hollins has been instrumental in the receiving and maintaining of the department’s Class One Fire Rating” said Fire Chief Brian Crawford. “Hollins will be sorely missed but we wish him the best.”