Spotlights: Chief Robert Benoit | Success Stories | Chief Jim Craft

Robert P. Benoit
Fire Chief, Lafayette Fire Department

"As a young kid growing up, I was always fascinated with the fire service. The boots, helmet and fire coats worn at that time by firefighters looked cool to me. During my high school years, I really started setting goals for a career in the fire service; however, at first I put aside any thoughts of college. After graduation, I was 17 years old, but I started inquiring seriously about the profession and learned that the minimum age for employment was 21. I pursued other employment for a time, but then applied at 20 years old, after I learned the age limit had been lowered to 18. Little did I know that this would also be the starting point of my formal education; I enrolled in EMS and Fire Science courses soon after employment. This one important decision propelled my career up the ladder into the Fire Chief's position in Lafayette, LA, a position that I have held for the past 18 years. I can only contribute my success to God, Family and Education, which began at LSU Eunice."

Starting as a firefighter in 1979, Robert Benoit followed his dream, taking on numerous jobs in the field, including Fire Investigator, Communication Officer and Hazardous Materials Officer before being appointed Fire Chief for Lafayette on August 7, 1993. In this position, he oversees a $15 million dollar operation and approximately 250 employees, 13 fire stations and over 50 pieces of apparatus and emergency vehicles.

Chief Benoit completed his Associate degree in Fire Science at LSU Eunice in 1992. He continued his education, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Southwest Louisiana in 1996. During this time, he returned to LSU Eunice as a Fire Science Instructor, teaching here though 2002.

Since accepting his position as Lafayette's Fire Chief, he has vigorously continued his education, receiving numerous certifications including his most recent in 2007 in the "Principles of Fire Protection" through the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Today, Chief Benoit is responsible for upgrading the Lafayette Fire Department through education, training, and certification, coupled with the latest firefighter equipment, including updated computers and thermal imaging units, which are heat sensitive scanning devices used to locate victims trapped by fires in smoke filled environments. He has directed the building of a modern facility that combines training and certification for his firefighters, enabling them to respond quickly in high tech emergency situations. One of his most important accomplishments has been the implementation of a First Responder program within the department that utilizes AED devices. Automated External Defibrillators are used to assist patients immediately who may be having a heart attack. This program has greatly enhanced the quality of life for the citizens of Lafayette.

He continues to serve his community as a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Louisiana State Firemen's Association, Louisiana Fire Chief's Association, Louisiana Arson Association, Lafayette Parish Fire Protection Association, and the International Association of Arson Investigators. He also serves as a Regional Trustee for the Kiwanis Club of Southwest Louisiana and is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana.

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More stories of LSU Eunice successful alumni

"In 1975, after only one semester, I transferred from a 4-year college to LSU Eunice. I found the LSUE Administration and staff friendly and helpful. At the suggestion of Dr. Nancy Webb, I enrolled in some Criminal Justice Courses. From that day forward, I was hooked. The teachers and staff were very supportive and the class schedules allowed attendance for those who were employed full time. The Criminal Justice Program was one of the first of its kind in that area. Many Acadiana Law Enforcement Officers got their start taking those classes. I completed an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at LSUE, which helped me to secure a position at the Lafayette Police Department in 1977. Thirty years later, after working my way through the ranks, I was chosen to be the next Lafayette Police Chief. LSU Eunice gave me my start in a very rewarding and successful career"

Jim Craft is a 35-year veteran of the Lafayette Police Department. He has served the Department as a patrol officer, patrol supervisor, criminal investigator and supervisor in the Criminal Investigations Division. He has also held Command positions in the Patrol, Criminal Investigation, and Services Divisions. During 18 years working as an investigator and supervisor in Criminal Investigations, he was involved in over 1500 major felony cases. In January, 2007, Craft was named Lafayette Chief of Police after serving approximately 10 months as Interim Chief.

Chief Craft is widely recognized as an expert in the investigation of major crimes including rape and homicide. He established and commanded a joint task force of federal, state and local law enforcement officers to address a series of related sexual assaults spanning a 12 year period. As a result, a local law enforcement officer was identified, arrested and convicted of multiple attacks. Chief Craft was also the lead investigator in a high profile case involving a prominent Lafayette physician who was accused of injecting his girlfriend with the AIDS virus. That investigation resulted in the doctor's conviction for attempted second-degree murder.
Since 1983, Chief Craft has served as a hostage negotiator and been involved in more than 50 successfully resolved incidents. He has often been called upon by other agencies to assist with hostage situations including a take-over of the St. Martin Parish jail by a group of Cuban detainees. Chief Craft is an instructor in hostage negotiations and often teaches hostage survival techniques in both the public and private sector.

Chief Craft earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Louisiana State University Eunice and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He is a graduate of both the F.B.I. National Academy and the F.B.I. Law Enforcement Executive Development School.