21-year vet new chief of LCFD (7/22)

Posted July 21, 2010 at 11:50 pm
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By ERIC CORMIER AMERICAN PRESS

Keith Murray, a 44-year-old fire instructor, has been tabbed as the new leader of the Lake Charles Fire Department.

Murray, who was introduced Wednesday during the City Council’s meeting, said he is looking forward to working in the new post.

“I intend to be a mentor to the young guys who come into the Fire Department,” he said.

Murray, a 21-year veteran of the department, has spent 16 years as a training officer and chief trainer. During that time he has helped
certify many of the employees he will lead.

What makes him happy about the new job is that Murray is ensured of keeping close relationships with people he calls his family.

“Firefighting is about service. You have to teach the new hires that. This is a lifelong career, one that you choose to serve,” Murray said.

Among the issues he plans to address are overtime and leadership.

“We can fix all of that,” he said. “People need to understand that when it comes to fighting fires, our guys never fail to serve.”

Murray was one of 15 people who applied for the job. The City Council made its final selection from four applicants, each of which was a Lake
Charles Fire Department employee.

“All of us were so glad that the finalists were all in the department,” Murray said. “I feel honored to be the new boss of the Lake Charles Fire
Department.”