In a sit-down interview, Robert Moore, Fire Chief of the Ouachita Parish Fire Department, said the department’s mission is simple: to serve the public and meet community needs.
“We’re here to help,” Moore said. “I just don’t think people realize everything we do.”
Many residents only interact with the fire department during emergencies, but Chief Moore says the department provides far more services than most people realize. He has served with the department for nearly 15 years and brings more than 35 years of public safety experience to the role.
Ouachita Parish operates as one unified fire district, covering nearly the entire parish outside of Monroe and West Monroe. Unlike many areas in Louisiana that rely on small volunteer districts, Ouachita Parish runs as a coordinated system with 15 fire stations, with a 16th station planned along Highway 80 near Trapp Field, currently projected for 2028.
While fire suppression is a core responsibility, about 80% of calls are medical. Many firefighters are paramedic-certified and provide advanced life support, often arriving before ambulance services. The department is also the only local agency with mechanical CPR devices on every frontline truck, allowing consistent chest compressions during cardiac arrest and transport — a critical factor in survival, especially in rural areas.
Despite covering more than 600 square miles, the department holds a Class 3 fire rating, considered exceptional for a district of this size and one that can positively affect insurance rates. Moore says the department plans years in advance for major purchases like fire engines, ladder trucks, and stations, allowing them to operate without debt or bonds and stay within budget.
The department also offers several free services many residents don’t know about, including free smoke alarm installation, fire safety education in schools, CPR and first responder medical training, fire protection reviews for new subdivisions, and assistance with gas or carbon monoxide concerns. If a request falls outside their jurisdiction, staff help connect residents with the appropriate agency.
Ouachita Parish Fire Department maintains an Urban Search and Rescue team and is part of a regional response network activated through the Louisiana State Fire Marshal. Local firefighters have deployed to floods, hurricanes, and other disasters both in Louisiana and out of state. The department is also trained and equipped for high-angle rescue, confined space rescue, and water rescue, with all equipment and training maintained in-house.
While life-threatening emergencies take priority, firefighters also respond to animal rescue calls when needed, including animals trapped in vehicles, trailers, or dangerous situations. In many cases, animal control or law enforcement requests assistance due to the specialized equipment required.
The department employs approximately 190 personnel, including firefighters, dispatchers, training staff, and maintenance crews. On any given day, at least 46 firefighters are on duty, working 24-hour shifts. The department operates its own in-house fire academy, which lasts about a year and includes EMT certification and fire suppression training. The department is currently hiring and expects to bring on around 15 new firefighters this year.
Those interested can learn more at:
– ouachitafire.org
– 318-325-1621
– Facebook
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