Board Fails

St. George Fire Board Fails to Act on Chief Succession — While Firefighters, Taxpayers Wait in Limbo

ST GEORGE, LA — At the meeting of the St. George Fire Protection District No. 2 Board of Commissioners, the public was left with more questions than answers. Listed under “New Business” was a critical item: “Discussion and Action on Appointment of Fire Chief.” Instead, the meeting concluded with no action taken, no public commitment made, and no clear path forward.

Fire Chief Gerard Tarleton simply announced his intent to begin a “succession strategy” — but offered no timeline, no framework, and no explanation. The Board of Commissioners, including Chairman Darrell Ourso, Commissioner David Carnes, and former Board President Johnny Suchy, accepted the statement without follow-up questions or accountability.

Once again, the leadership of the St. George Fire Protection District failed to lead.

For years, the department has been mired in legal disputes, internal division, and mounting public scrutiny. Chief Tarleton’s tenure has been marked by lawsuits against firefighters, millions in taxpayer-funded legal fees, and widespread pay inequities. His expected exit presents a chance to reset — but every week of indecision only makes things worse.

The longer the Board delays, the deeper the consequences:

• Firefighters continue working under fractured leadership, distracted from their core mission of saving lives and protecting property.

• Morale remains low. Firefighters are exhausted, both mentally and emotionally, from serving under a cloud of retaliation and instability.

• The public’s trust is eroding, and with it, the very real possibility that the district will be unable to secure critical bond renewals before the East Baton Rouge Metro Council later this year.

It is no secret that the district’s recent audit findings exposed major financial mismanagement — missed bond payments, illegal budgeting, and millions of dollars in general fund deficits. Leadership failures at the top are not just hurting firefighters — they are jeopardizing the financial future of the entire district.

The St. George Professional Firefighters Association, Local 4524, has consistently called for transparency, accountability, and a leadership transition rooted in healing. The Board’s continued inaction sends the wrong message to firefighters and taxpayers alike.

We urge the Board to act — not next month, not “someday,” but now.