our mission
The mission of the Livingston Parish Fire Protection District #4 is to provide the highest level of emergency services for our community. We protect lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical response, disaster management, fire prevention, and public education.
As our motto states, “Our Family Protecting Your Family,” we will serve and protect our community with the same commitment we would exhibit in protecting our own family.
LPFPD4 Leadership
Chief James Wascom
James Wascom serves as the LPFPD4 Fire Chief. Under his leadership, the department has expanded coverage by adding and staffing more fire stations, improved firefighting capabilities through the acquisition of modern equipment, and capitalized upon technological advancements in the industry.
Trey Jackson was named LPFPD4 deputy chief in September 2015. He was born in Zachary and has lived in Livingston Parish since 2001. Deputy Chief Jackson works side-by-side with Chief James Wascom with responsibilities for increasing manpower, improving department training, and obtaining and deploying new equipment and apparatus.
Robert Dugas
Mr. Robert Dugas is a native of Livingston Parish and has served Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 since 1984. He began his service as a volunteer firefighter from 1985 to 1988 and has been a dedicated member of the Board of Commissioners since 2002. For the past thirteen years, he has proudly served as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Leslie Falks is a 66-year resident of Livingston Parish. He has served Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 Fire since its inception in 1975, first as a volunteer firefighter and now, as a Commissioner for the Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Joe Blanchard is a 30-year resident of Livingston Parish. He served as a Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 firefighter for 13 years and has been a member of the Board of Commissioners for the last four years.
Shane Hernandez
Shane Hernandez has proudly served in the fire service since 2007, dedicating nearly two decades to protecting and supporting his community. A resident of Livingston Parish for the past 17 years, Shane brings a strong commitment to local service and leadership. In December 2024, he joined the Board of Commissioners.
Our History
Our Foundation and Evolution
Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 emerged from community advocacy in 1975, when engaged residents approached the police jury seeking comprehensive fire protection services. While the Town of Walker maintained municipal fire services within city limits, vast areas spanning hundreds of square miles remained unprotected, creating a critical public safety gap.
Recognizing this urgent need, the police jury established Fire District 4 with strategically defined boundaries to serve previously under-protected areas throughout the parish. The district’s mission expanded in 1980 with the integration of emergency medical services, demonstrating our commitment to comprehensive public safety.
Our organization has evolved into a sophisticated emergency services provider, operating from 11 strategically positioned modern stations with an additional facility under construction. Through a combination of volunteer dedication and professional expertise, we deliver comprehensive fire protection and emergency response services to this dynamic, rapidly expanding region.
Our Service Area Today
Today, LPFPD4 is currently a PIAL Protection Class Rating 3 and encompasses 225 square miles, serving an estimated 72,000 residents across 24,125 households. We operate 10, soon to be 11, modern fire stations positioned strategically throughout the district. Our comprehensive service portfolio includes fire suppression, rescue operations, hazardous materials response, and specialized emergency services for both residential and commercial sectors within our jurisdiction.
As our district experiences sustained growth and economic development, we continuously adapt our service delivery model to meet evolving community needs. With a combination of volunteer and paid professional personnel, we are positioned to not only maintain current service excellence but to proactively expand our capabilities in response to increasing demand and changing demographic patterns.
They Say
My grandma was saved in a terrible fire. She has instilled in me the belief that those who risk their lives should be thanked, even if they have not done anything to help me.
I couldn’t say any word when I saw what these brave men do! I was impressed that these people don’t do it for the money, they do it for the love of the profession.
Once the firefighters put down the fire in our house. I want to tell them thank you for saving our lives and the house. I can’t wait to be a firefighter when I grow up.