#United States #Biloxi #Emergency Response #Todd Parker #NASFM

Chief Todd Parker's Recognition by NASFM

On August 11, 2025, Chief Todd Parker of the Ward 6 Fire Department received the prestigious Leadership in Incident Response Award (LIRA) from the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) during their national conference held in Biloxi, Mississippi. This award recognizes outstanding achievements in enhancing emergency response protocols across the nation, and Chief Parker's exemplary handling of a critical CO₂ pipeline rupture incident has merited this honor.

The incident in question took place on April 3, 2024, in Sulphur, Louisiana. Chief Parker demonstrated exceptional leadership as he successfully commanded the response to the CO₂ release, adhering to essential NASFM emergency response protocols. His strategic approach included identifying both the source and the hazardous material involved, establishing a safety perimeter, and coordinating with the pipeline operator to prioritize the safety of the local community.

Parker’s success during this incident can be attributed to his proactive commitment to education and preparedness within his department. He had recently completed NASFM's Pipeline Emergencies online training, which encompasses a broad curriculum on pipeline incident response, along with specialized courses tailored toward managing CO₂ pipeline emergencies. Additionally, his participation in operator briefings ensured he was well-versed in the characteristics of CO₂ before the incident occurred, equipping him with the knowledge necessary for an effective response.

In collaboration with industry leaders, Chief Parker is dedicated to enhancing local readiness. He actively shares his experiences with the firefighting community by participating in ExxonMobil-sponsored HazMat training sessions focused on CO₂ pipeline and industrial fire emergencies. These training sessions occur quarterly at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s (TEEX) Brayton Fire Training Field in College Station, Texas, and they have already benefited nearly 650 firefighters and emergency officials nationwide.

Upon receiving the award, Chief Parker expressed profound gratitude: “It is a true honor to receive NASFM's Leadership in Incident Response Award. I share this recognition with all Calcasieu Parish first responders who work tirelessly to protect our community. Pipelines provide critical services, and each of us has a role in ensuring their safety.” He emphasized the significance of collaboration between operators, regulators, and industry groups in enhancing community security and stressed the importance of continuous training and information sharing among first responders.

Chief Parker's efforts exemplify leadership in the realm of emergency preparedness and response. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, he is not only improving local emergency response strategies but also setting a national standard for best practices in pipeline safety. First responders are continually encouraged to enhance their skills through training opportunities, such as those available at firemarshals.org/Pipeline-Emergencies.

The NASFM plays a pivotal role in the firefighting community, with its primary mission to safeguard human life, property, and the environment from fire and associated hazards. By acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of leaders like Chief Parker, NASFM underscores the importance of dedication, training, and teamwork in creating safer communities. For further information about the NASFM and its initiatives, please visit their website at firemarshals.org.