By Gina Rivere Rouchon
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
Copyright 2006 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Keith Bouvier recently took over as chief of the Westwego Volunteer Fire Department, replacing long-time chief Doyle Guidroz.
After 14 years leading the department, Guidroz resigned because he needed to dedicate more time to his electrical business.
“The fire chief job is a full-time position,” Guidroz said. “I just don’t have the time, but I will miss it.”
Guidroz said he is happy to have served as long as he did and will remain a volunteer firefighter.
During his tenure, Guidroz worked to decrease the fire insurance rate, replaced many fire trucks, remodeled the fire station and increased roll call and training.
Turning over the badge to Bouvier, Guidroz praised his successor. “I wish him well, and I know that he will do a great job,” the outgoing chief said.
Bouvier is no stranger to the fire department. During 31 years as a volunteer firefighter, he served as lieutenant, first aid captain, district chief, assistant chief, deputy chief and assistant fire prevention. He is a trained CPR instructor and is an emergency medical technician.
Bouvier served as Westwego’s safety director, as the West Bank representative for the Presidents and Chiefs Association and as a spokesman for the Jefferson Parish Firemen’s Association and the Louisiana State Firemen’s Committees.
Bouvier said his goal is to continue to improve the department’s policies and procedures.
“I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said.