MAYOR-PRESIDENT MONIQUE B. BOULET NAMES EARL BORDEN AS LAFAYETTE FIRE CHIEF FOLLOWING RIGOROUS NATIONAL SEARCH

MAYOR-PRESIDENT MONIQUE B. BOULET NAMES EARL BORDEN AS LAFAYETTE FIRE CHIEF FOLLOWING RIGOROUS NATIONAL SEARCH

Veteran fire service leader selected to advance operational excellence, strengthen firefighter safety, and lead next chapter for Lafayette Fire Department

LAFAYETTE, LA – Following a comprehensive national, state and local search and selection process, which began on August 18, 2025, Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet has named Earl Borden as the next Fire Chief of the Lafayette Fire Department.

The selection follows an extensive evaluation process that included civil service testing, Louisiana Office of State Examiner assessments, multiple rounds of structured interviews, and final panel review. The process was designed to identify a leader with the experience, integrity, and vision necessary to lead the State’s 4^th largest fire department.

Chief Borden brings more than two decades of leadership and experience in fire and emergency services to Lafayette with over three of those years as Fire Chief of the St. Bernard Parish Fire Department. He is expected to complete his Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California in 2026. He holds a Master of Science in Fire and Emergency Management Administration from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with concentrations in Fire Science and Emergency and Disaster Management, from Upper Iowa University.

He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Fire Service Executive Development Institute, widely recognized as two of the premier executive development programs for fire service leaders in the United States.

Throughout his career, Chief Borden has demonstrated exceptional leadership, including key roles within the St. Bernard Fire Department. His operational, administrative, and strategic experience positions him to lead a large, multifaceted department while advancing organizational performance and strengthening community safety.

“With public safety as a top priority, it was essential that we conduct a fair and thorough process with strong candidates,” said Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet. “Earl Borden stood out at every stage. His steady leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to Lafayette earned him overwhelming support from the evaluation panel. I have full confidence that Chief Borden will bring stability, accountability, and a forward-thinking approach to the department.”

The search for a new chief followed the retirement of Fire Chief Robert P. Benoit who served 32 years as Chief, and included a broad local, regional, and national recruitment effort. The process brought together a diverse panel of fire service professionals, community representatives, and government leaders to ensure a balanced and inclusive evaluation.

“Pastor Sean Walker,” a member of the selection panel, noted, “This process was thoughtfully designed and reflective of the Lafayette community. The panel included a strong mix of perspectives, and the Administration ensured that the selection was both fair and comprehensive.”

Chief Borden said, “As Fire Chief of Lafayette, I look forward to working with department personnel, city leadership, and community stakeholders to build upon the department’s strong foundation while continuing to advance operational excellence, firefighter safety, and high-quality service to the citizens of Lafayette.”

Chief Borden will officially assume the role upon completion of the hiring process. He will lead the Lafayette Fire Department with a continued focus on operational excellence, accountability, and a strong commitment to protecting life and property while serving the community with professionalism and integrity.

Missed the press conference? Watch the entire press conference on our YouTube Channel. 

###