City of Lake Charles, Louisiana

For Immediate Release:  July 21, 2010                  

For Further Information Contact   John Cardone, 491-1381; or Scott Raymond, 491-9176

                                                        City Announces New Lake Charles

                                                 Fire Department Fire Chief

At a press conference held today at City Hall, the City of Lake Charles announced Keith Murray as its new Fire Chief.

Said Mayor Roach:

"We are very pleased to announce Keith Murray as the new Fire Chief of the Lake Charles Fire Department.  He is a proven leader, and we know that his complete dedication and commitment to service will reflect on the highest standards of his Department and the City of Lake Charles."

Chief Murray brings to the position 21 years of experience with the Lake Charles Fire Department, extensive training and numerous certifications.  In 2008, Chief Murray was accepted into the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management, United States Fire Administration, National Fire Academy "Executive Fire Officer Program."  He holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science - Fire Science from Louisiana State University at Eunice.  He also holds a National Registry of EMT-EMT Basic license and numerous Louisiana State University - International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Certifications.  He attended McNeese State University where he majored in marketing. 

He has been actively involved with the community in various volunteer capacities and has been recognized with awards for his community service.  His memberships include the City of Lake Charles Accident Review Committee, the statewide Certification Advisory Committee through the Louisiana State University Fire and Emergency Training Institute, and the Critical Incident Stress Management/Debriefing Team.  His awards include the Rotary Club of Lake Charles Employee Excellence Award 1996, the Optimist Club of Lake Charles "Above and Beyond" 2003, the Louisiana Wing Civil Air Patrol "Above and Beyond" Award 2009, and Certificate of Appreciation by the Civil Air Patrol as a Volunteer Instructor in its 10^th and 11^th Training Academies.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Chief Murray led a 24 person strike team responsible for rescuing 4500 people; also, he led strike teams into the aftermath of hurricanes Lili and Gustav in 2002 and 2008, and, locally, led the department in operations and logistics during hurricanes Rita and Ike.

Prior to the announcement, Lloyd Miller served as interim chief following Chief David Manuel's retirement on April 15 of this year.                                    - 30 -