​They answered the call and gave everything so others could live in freedom. Today, we do not simply observe a holiday. We honor a debt that can never be fully repaid.

From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, the sacrifice of America's fallen echoes through every generation. Their names are etched in stone, but their legacy lives in the nation they helped preserve.

On this Memorial Day, we carry them with us.

Every EMS provider carries one call with them forever; not for its heroism but for its humanity. A child whose breathing finally stabilized, a grandmother whose hand was held until her family reached her side, or a stranger who, despite fear and pain in their eyes, chose to trust them.

These moments seldom make headlines, yet they influence outcomes and change lives. These outcomes go beyond just vital signs. They include people returning home, families remaining united and communities feeling safer because someone was there when it mattered most.

Today’s EMS providers bring advanced skills and innovative tools to these moments: evolving models of care that serve patients in big cities, tribal lands, rural communities and everywhere in between: prehospital EKG, early stroke recognition, and in the field whole blood transfusion. These advancements are creating a measurable difference well before the patient reaches the hospital.

Improving Outcomes, Together extends beyond medicine. It’s a collective responsibility that involves investing in the people behind the care with fair pay, safe staffing levels, mental health resources, leadership that listens and acts, and opportunities for professional growth.​

During the week of May 17th through May 23rd, we recognize the people behind the patch and reaffirm our commitment, as partners and communities, to Improving Outcomes, Together.

For a brief moment Thursday evening, we were all trying to figure out if this guy was our Fire Chief or our Chef that needed to be fired, but it momentarily seemed as though Fire Chief Willie Andras may be better suited for fighting fires than not burning the burgers. We’re happy to report that he can skillfully do both.

Thanks to all our supporters who ordered some to-go food items for dinner, and thanks to everyone who came out to help us get everything squared away.

We appreciate all of you!

You never know who you’ll see on the parade route.

​Member Kelsey Benoit participated in the Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair parade on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026.

Just after the parade got rolling, he ran across Ms. Susan Delatte on the parade route and posed for a quick photo.

​Ms. Susan is one of the original founding members of the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department and she served our community selflessly for many, many years.

Since 1983, there have been many great volunteers just like Ms. Susan who've put in countless hours training, teaching, building, and repairing in order to keep the department running efficiently.  There have also been many volunteers working quietly behind the scenes to keep the fire department running smoothly.

Some are no longer with us and others have moved away, or gone on to serve the community in other ways, but each has contributed in their own way. We are forever grateful for their individual and collective contributions.

April is National Donate Life Month in the United States, established to raise awareness about the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donation. It honors donors and recipients, encouraging Americans to register as donors to save lives.

Member Kelsey Benoit visited several local events this past week that were held to bring awareness to organ donation as well as to honor donors and recipients.

With a new person added to the national transplant waiting list every ten (10) minutes, this month emphasizes that one donor can save or heal multiple lives.

This year’s theme uses trees as a symbol of life and connection. Just like trees grow and support each other in a forest, donation connects people -- donors, recipients, and their families. Like a tree that grows and stands for generations, a donor’s gift leaves a lasting legacy of hope and life.

Your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor gives hope to the 100,000 people on the national organ transplant waiting list who are waiting for a second chance at life.

You know the food at the Choctaw Fireman’s Fair is c'est bon when people leave the lake and park their truck and boat in the middle of a parking lot entrance to come fill their stomach before going home for the night. Or maybe they brought the boat in case of rain. We really don't know.

We'll be opening up at two o'clock on Saturday afternoon, with plenty more good food, good music, and a great time for all.

UPDATE: The culprits filled their bellies and then headed home. And, contrary to typical Louisiana parking lot drama, no other parties were delayed by these parking lot shenanigans.

Nearly 410 years ago, the great explorer Sir Francis Drake died aboard a ship off the coast of Panama. In his lifetime, the great frontiers were the oceans, and an historian later said that 'He lived by the sea, died on it, and was buried in it'. Well, today we can say of our friend Danelle Kraemer: Her dedication is, like Drake's, complete.

Danelle honored us by the manner in which she lived her life. She gave until the bucket was empty, and miraculously, she would manage to pull more from an empty bucket, not worrying about whether there was any left for her.

Today, her journey has ended, and she has slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God.
​
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to summon to eternal rest the spirit and soul of Mrs. Danelle Kraemer, a member of the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department, and

WHEREAS, her life was a record of service faithfully performed, having been a member of the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department for many years, Danelle passed away on November 30th, 2025;

THEREFORE, we express our sorrow at the loss sustained by the death of a friend and selfless public servant and extend to the members of her family our deepest sympathy, and bid them to take consolation in the thought that her soul has been taken unto the bosom of our Merciful Savior; and this tribute of respect to the memory of Mrs. Danelle Kraemer shall be made part of our official blog as evidence of our sympathy for her family and as a reminder of our attachment to her in life and memory of her in death.

It will be an extra-special Thanksgiving this year for our Department and our community. Thanks to the Firehouse Subs Foundation, ConocoPhillips, State Farm, and our supporters right here at home, our residents and visitors will be safe this holiday season -- and beyond.

New Hurst (Jaws of Life) extrication tools, and a poisonous gas detection and monitoring device were purchased, and although we hope we never have to use either, we are ready if and when we are called upon.

But the impact doesn’t stop with grant funding. Your financial support and the financial support of our local businesses also helps us with our mission of serving our community, enabling us to provide critical services to help our neighbors.

Together, we have created a vibrant community where ALL can thrive. In this season of gratitude, we are thankful for you and for all the good growing right here at home.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Unit #514 stopped by Mike’s Country Store earlier this afternoon so that founding member and former Fire Chief Michael Delatte could take a look at this amazing piece of equipment we were fortunate enough to acquire.

As former Chief Delatte walked around and looked through every compartment, he talked about the struggles that the community faced in the early days, and how every time an obstacle stood in the way, the community pressed on and overcame.

Let’s all take a moment to reflect on the men and women who came before us, who had a vision, and found a purpose, in serving our community.

Choctaw is our home, and its people are our people. Its struggles are our struggles, and its victories are our victories.

We’re always ‘HERE TO SERVE’.

​Choctaw, Louisiana
​
As first responders continue to serve the Choctaw community, it’s important that Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department remains properly equipped to handle all emergencies. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation recognized our need for new lifesaving equipment and recently awarded us a $37,277.59 grant to purchase Hurst (Jaws of Life) extrication tools.

The new Hurst (Jaws of Life) extrication tools will replace an obsolete set of hydraulic, pump operated extrication tools and ultimately improve our lifesaving capabilities when called into action. 

“We are grateful to the Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Thibodaux, Louisiana, for providing us with this invaluable funding,” said Willie Andras, Chief of the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department. “The added benefit of having the very best equipment on hand means everything in an emergency when every second counts.”

For the past 19 years, charitable donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation supporting first responders and public safety organizations nationwide.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded 6,914 grants valued at over $98 million to public safety organizations since 2005. This grant is one of 65 the Foundation awarded during the most recent grant cycle. The 65 grants will provide critical lifesaving equipment valued at more than $1.7 million across the U.S.

To donate and learn more, visit any Firehouse Subs restaurant or the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation website:

FirehouseSubsFoundation.org

Come out and hear the latest hunting regulations & legal updates, presented by Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell.

Thursday, October 16th, 2025 @ 6:00 PM

Location:
Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department
Station #1
2854 Choctaw Road
Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301

Hosted by District Attorney Kristine Russell & the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department.

SAVE THE DATE!

​The Fire Truck is coming to a Lafourche Parish Public Library Branch near you this October!

Sound the alarm & grab your gear. The Lafourche Parish Public Library's annual Fire Truck Visits are here in honor of Fire Prevention Month! Meet your local friendly firefighters, learn about fire prevention & safety, & explore the fire truck!

Join us at the Choctaw Branch Library on Monday, October 13th, 2025, at 1:00 in the afternoon.
​
To Luticia and Jolene from the Choctaw Branch Library: as always, it was our pleasure to work with you all to produce the PSA video.