Soileau tabbed as new Ville Platte fire chief

During Tuesday’s Ville Platte City Council meeting, Mayor Jennifer Vidrine announced the new fire chief will be Chris Soileau.
She thanked Fabian Poullard for stepping up to be the interim fire chief when Chris Harrison retired. “Fabian did a miraculous job as interim fire chief, and we definitely want to applaud him,” she said, adding she appointed Soileau “after interviews, deliberation, input, and much, much prayer.”
Soileau’s appointment will be effective November 20 with a one year probation to ensure a smooth transition between the new and interim chief.
“It was a good problem to have because we had three great candidates, but it was a hard decision to make,” said Vidrine. “I wish we could have three fire chiefs, but it’s good to know we still have these good firemen in our department.”
The council approved the appointment with a round of applause.
Soileau said, “I am humbled by Mayor Vidrine’s decision. I’m grateful for the trust the mayor and council members have placed in me, allowing me to serve our community, the city I grew up in, as fire chief.”
He continued, “The Ville Platte Fire Department and Evangeline Parish Fire District 2 have extremely committed and selfless volunteers and career personnel. I look forward to working with them to continue the level of service improvements by the pervious administrations in fire prevention and protection.”