Ville Platte Rotary - 7-21-26

At Tuesday's Rotary Club Meeting, Ville Platte Fire Chief Chris Soileau updated the Club on the Fire Department's activities. The Ville Platte Fire Department was formed in August 1920. This was the year following the dance hall tragedy in 1919. The original fire truck in Ville Platte was acquired in 1927. Prior to that, fires were extinguished using bucket brigades and packs fire fighters carried. Chief Soileau was excited to report that the historical fire truck is running, and they are getting it parade ready!

In 1935, there were 21 fire fighters. The Lincoln Rd. station was built in 1980. The city is close to having everything in place to begin construction of the new station to be located on Main St.

In the last six months, the department responded to 137 incidents - 41 in the district. They have tested 511 hydrants and evaluated thousands of feet of hose. They have installed fire detectors, because detectors provide the highest chance of surviving a fire.

The Fire Department is focused on fire fighter health and safety. Thank you, Chief Soileau, for a great presentation and for your dedication!

Other Rotary News
Rotarian Peter Strawitz was presented his pin recognizing him as a seven-time Paul Harris Fellow!

The next meeting will be held on July 28th, and the program will be presented by Pat Duplechain.