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NEW HONOR FLAG FOR FIREMEN - To assist with their duties for serving as honor guard for Acadia Parish, the city administartion donated a over-sized U.S. Flag to the Rayne Volunteer Fire Department during Monday’s installation banquet. Among those in attendance for the presentation were, from left, City Councilmen Jimmy Fontenot, Curtrese and Michael Doucet, 2nd Assistant Michael Cormier, Mayor Chuck Robichaux, 1st Assistant Phil Hebert and Fire Chief Allen “Noochie” Credeur. (Acadian-Tribune Photo by Josie Henry)

Rayne Firemen installed during annual banquet

Announce plans for future upgrades

RAYNE - A full house was welcomed Monday night during the annual installation banquet of the Rayne Volunteered Fire Department held at the Fire Station for the Rayne Volunteer Fire Department.
Guests were welcomed by Fire Chief Allen “Noochie” Credeur, along with officers and members of the RVFD.
The Pledge of Allegiance and Fireman’s Prayer were recited to begin the evening, followed by a special moment of silence observed in memory of fallen comrades.
Credeur welcomed the many guests in attendance, and then introduced Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux who welcomed everyone on behalf of the city. He also acknowledged the city’s fire department as one of the best at what they do.
“Some people don’t realize what you guys do for our community,” Robichaux stated. “You protect us all and you’re an important part of our city. We really appreciate all you do for all of us.”
Robichaux went on to explain the upcoming joint project between the city and fire department -- a new fire station located near the Rayne Chamber that’s in the works.
As Credeur recognized guests in attendance and called the roll for the 30 volunteer firemen. Retired firefighters in attendance were also noted, including Barry Granger, Lee Hebert, Larry LeBlanc, Louis “Bedoo” Meche, Adam Soileaux and Roland Thibodeaux.
Credeur called upon the line officers for the coming year to take their place for the swearing in ceremony by City Judge James “Jim” Cunningham, including his 1st Assistant Chief Phil Hebert, 2nd Assistant Chief/treasurer/publicity officer Michael Cormier, 1st Captain/President Joseph “Wa” Credeur, 2nd Captain Justin Granger, Lt. Toby Credeur and Jeremy LaBauve, Vice-President Eric Menard, secretary Josh Foreman and judges Chad Credeur, Jonathan Hebert and Jake Venable.
Four new firemen were welcomed to the department, including Lance Cormier, Cory Credeur, Darren Keller and Devin Mueck.
In a brief address following the swearing-in ceremonies, Credeur said the volunteer department answered a total of 208 calls during 2018.
Breaking down the variety of calls for the year, the department responded to 5 house fires, 6 grass fires, 7 vehicle fires, 1 trash dumpster fire, 21 smoke/pot on stove, 3 electrical shorts, 21 natural gas leaks/smell, 23 vehicle accidents/extrications, 7 general fire alarms, 109 false alarms and 2 assists with other fire departments.
Credeur also noted three medical assists and seven landing zone assists for Air-Med calls as he recognized Mike Richard of Acadian Ambulance, who was in attendance.
“I would like to personally thank this fire department for all you do,” Richard noted. “We work on many calls together and I can honestly say, the Rayne Volunteer Department is one of the best. We work hand in hand and we appreciate all you do not only for us, but for the many citizens you help on a daily basis. You truly lay down your lives for your fellow man. You can’t ask for more than that.”
During his address, Credeur included details of an anticipated state of the art training facility to be built soon through a grant the department has worked on for a time.
“Not only will this training facility serve us, but will benefit the entire parish,” Credeur noted. “We are also looking forward to the new northside fire station that we are working together with the city. This will provide service to the area where most of our calls come from.”
Credeur also spoke of the new flags and honor flag attained by the department from the city to be used during honor guard processions and events.
“We, the Rayne Volunteer Fire Department, are the honor guard for the parish,” Credeur noted. “When there’s a funeral or other event that needs an honor guard, we’re there. Thanks to the city, we now have a large U.S. Flag to complete the ceremony.”
Credeur concluded with a special thank you to all the firemen for their dedicated service, night and day, towards their community and shared experiences of years gone by. He also extended a thanks to “firemen families” for their understanding and support.
The blessing was said and all enjoyed a delicious meal to complete the evening.

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