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St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District #1 and District #4
As two of the 13 fire protection districts across St. Tammany Parish, District 1 and 4 play a pivotal role in the safety landscape by continuously innovating in emergency response, promoting resilience through community outreach and education, and prioritizing the wellbeing of their firefighters. Their contributions extend beyond their local communities to helping ensure a safer and more prepared Louisiana.
Internationally Accredited
Together, both districts have set an exceptional standard, being the only two fire districts in the state of Louisiana to achieve international accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). Additionally, District 4 received a Class 1 and District 1 received a Class 2 rating from the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana (PIAL), an organization that evaluates the fire protection capabilities of municipalities and fire districts to determine protection classifications on a scale of 1 to 10.
These accolades underscore their commitment to excellence in fire service delivery, emergency response, and community safety. By achieving top-tier recognitions, these districts help establish a benchmark for others, inspiring higher standards across the state.
State-of-the-Art Training Facilities
“A firefighter's job is to save lives. And it’s our job to ensure they not only know how to do that, but do it safely,” Chief Kenneth Moore, St. Tammany Fire Protection District 4.
Proper training is essential for firefighters as it equips them to respond effectively and decisively to emergencies, ensuring the safety of both lives and property. Both Chief Kaufmann and Chief Moore, of District 1, agree that training is paramount and have invested in state-of-the-art facilities that simulate real-life scenarios. From controlled burns and black-out mazes to vehicle extraction and complex simulations, these facilities provide hands-on experience that hone firefighters’ skills under realistic conditions. By exposing personnel to diverse challenges, the districts prepare them to handle any situation with confidence. This approach enhances individual readiness and strengthens team cohesion, ensuring that all firefighters are well prepared to protect and serve their community.
Leader in Health & Wellness
The smell of smoke often remains days after a fire, exposing firefighters to lingering toxins even after a fire is extinguished. The health and wellbeing of their teams is a top priority for both chiefs, who have implemented innovative technologies to mitigate occupational hazards.
Fire trucks have been outfitted with decontamination showers to enable immediate cleansing following firefighting operations. Specialized washers and driers can be found at multiple locations to thoroughly clean gear, reducing additional exposure to carcinogens and contaminants. Going beyond standard practice, District 1 has introduced a specialized sweat room and exercise bikes, providing firefighters with the tools to more fully detox after a fire. These investments show the commitment of both Fire Districts to safeguard the wellbeing of those who bravely serve their community amidst the inherent risks of the profession.
Community Partners
Community outreach and education play a critical role in fire prevention and preparedness efforts, as exemplified by St. Tammany Fire Protection Districts 1 and 4. Through proactive initiatives such as school tours, fire station visits, community events, and homeowner's association meetings, the districts engage directly with residents to impart crucial fire safety knowledge and practices.
By fostering a deeper understanding of fire hazards and emergency protocols, they aim to reduce the frequency of preventable fires and enhance community resilience. Empowering residents with the skills to prevent fires and respond effectively in emergencies not only lessens the strain on emergency services, but also cultivates a more informed and proactive community that is better prepared to safeguard lives and property.
Experience & Leadership
Fire Chiefs Chris Kaufmann and Kenneth Moore have a combined 76 years of experience fighting fires and saving lives in Slidell and Mandeville. Together, they are guiding a positive shift within the industry, leaning on their extensive knowledge to continually refine firefighting methods and strategic planning.
Outside of their own districts, Kaufmann and Moore participate in a monthly meeting of fire chiefs from across the parish. These meetings serve as a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging insights, and collaborating on ways to enhance fire service capabilities throughout the region. By facilitating a culture of collaboration and continuous learning among fire chiefs, they collectively elevate standards, improve response times, and bolster community safety across St. Tammany Parish.
“I've done my job, my due diligence, and I'm not going to stop today. I'm still looking for the next thing that's out there to make it a safe environment for our firefighters. I hope we can set the example for every fire department in Louisiana,” says Chief Chris Kaufman, St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1.
