Scott fire chief is new Lafayette Parish OHSEP director
LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- Scott Fire Chief Chad Sonnier was named the new director of Lafayette's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
The Lafayette Consolidated Government announced Sonnier's new role in a news release on Wednesday. His new role is effective Monday, Sept. 30.
According to the news release, Sonnier has more than three decades of experience in emergency management, disaster response, and public safety leadership. He will oversee coordination among federal, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector during times of crisis, LCG said.
"His efforts will focus on enhancing collaboration before, during and after critical emergency events to ensure the safety and resilience of the community," LCG said.
Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet expressed her confidence in Sonnier’s leadership.
"Chad Sonnier has the experience, dedication, and strategic mindset needed to guide our parish through any emergency. His proven leadership in disaster response and preparedness will be such an asset to our community," Boulet said.
LCG said Sonnier's career spans 23 years as the Scott Fire Department's fire chief. His work experience also includes positions such as firefighter, hazmat technician, fire engineer, fire coordinator, and hazmat chief.
Sonnier was inducted into the Louisiana Fire Chief's Hall of Fame in 2020.
Sonnier also has a proven track record in grant writing at both the federal and state levels to support various projects and initiatives, LCG said.
"To date, he has successfully secured more than $26 million in grant funding," LCG said.