Lafayette is playing host to the 2019 Executive Leadership Conference for the International Association of Fire Chiefs - Southwestern Division this week. The conference began tonight, October 2, at Wyndham Garden Lafayette on Pinhook Road.
The Southwestern Division of the IAFC consists of five states: New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
At least 100 fire chiefs and chief officers from the member states are expected to attend the three-day conference and trade show.
At a welcoming ceremony held tonight at 5 p.m. to open the conference, Mayor-President Joel Robideaux welcomed all attendees to Lafayette. The keynote speaker for tonight's ceremony was Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.
Tomorrow, Louisiana Fire Chief's Hall of Fame will induct four members of the fire service into the Hall of Fame at 6:30 p.m.. Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux will be the guest speaker for this event.
On Friday at 7 p.m., IAFC - Southwestern Division will host a Presidential Dinner with guest speaker State Fire Marshal Butch Browning honoring the outgoing president, Fire Chief Shauwn Howell of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
The fire officers enrolled in the Leadership Academy this past March will be awarded during a graduation ceremony. State Senator Gerald Boudreaux of District 24 will speak at Friday's event. The newly elected IAFC - Southwestern Division Board will be sworn in with Lafayette Fire Chief Robert Benoit assuming the role of President.
For more information on the conference or the IAFC - Southwestern Division, contact Fire Chief Robert Benoit at 337-278-8873.
