Former LFD Chief Robert Benoit To Serve As LSUE Fall Commencement Speaker

EUNICE, La. - LSU Eunice is proud to announce that former Lafayette Fire Chief Robert P. Benoit, one of Louisiana’s most respected public safety leaders, will serve as the keynote speaker for the upcoming LSUE Fall Commencement Ceremony.   Mr. Benoit brings more than four decades of distinguished service, leadership, and community impact to the graduation stage.

 

LSU Eunice will celebrate its summer and fall graduates on Friday, December 19 at 10:00AM inside the HPRE Center on the campus of LSU Eunice.  A livestream of the event will be available on LSUE’s website, www.lsue.edu, and the LSU Eunice Facebook page.

 

A Lafayette native, Benoit’s career began in 1979 when he joined the Lafayette Fire Department (LFD). Guided by a lifelong calling to public service, he rose steadily through the ranks, serving in operations, communications, and fire prevention before being appointed Fire Chief in 1993. With that appointment, he made history as the first African-American Fire Chief in the City of Lafayette.

 

Throughout his 46-year tenure, Benoit oversaw extensive departmental growth, technological modernization, and major investments in public safety infrastructure. Under his leadership, LFD expanded to 14 fire stations, enhanced its HazMat and rescue capabilities, developed a state-of-the-art training center, and implemented life-saving initiatives such as the department’s First Responder AED program. He served under eight mayors and is widely recognized for his steady leadership, professionalism, and commitment to community-centered service.

 

Benoit is a proud graduate of LSU Eunice, where he earned an Associate Degree in Fire Science before pursuing a Bachelor of Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A lifelong learner, he later completed a Graduate Certificate in Theology with honors, reflecting his dedication to faith and mentorship. Benoit would go on to earn a Master of Divinity from Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. His service extends beyond the fire department through ministry, youth outreach, and volunteer programs across Acadiana.

 

Among his numerous honors, Benoit has been inducted into the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame and has held leadership roles in state and national fire service organizations. After retiring from LFD, he transitioned into a new role as Fire Liaison Supervisor for Acadian Ambulance, continuing his mission to support first responders and public safety systems throughout the region.

 

“Chief Benoit embodies the values we hope to instill in every LSU Eunice graduate—service, resilience, leadership, and compassion,” said LSU Eunice Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson. “We are honored to welcome him back to campus as our commencement speaker.”

 

LSU Eunice looks forward to celebrating its graduates alongside one of the region’s most influential public servants as Mr. Benoit delivers an inspiring message on this milestone occasion.