No Money For Firefighters, But Plenty For Lobbyists

St. George Fire Department’s Use of Taxpayer Funds to Hire Lobbyists

ST GEORGE, LA — The St. George Professional Firefighters Association, Local 4524, is calling attention to a decision by the St. George Fire Protection District No. 2: the continued use of taxpayer dollars to hire private lobbyists. This marks the second consecutive year such action has been taken, and to date, no other fire department or fire protection district in Louisiana has been found to have engaged in similar practices.

This raises serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and transparency—especially as St. George’s own firefighters continue to fight in court for fair and lawful compensation. At a time when frontline responders are risking their lives daily and seeking equal pay under the law, fire district leadership is instead diverting public resources toward political influence.

“ This is not common practice, and no other fire department engages in such activity,” said a spokesperson for Local 4524. “We believe the taxpayers deserve to know why their money is being spent lobbying the legislature.”

While lobbying may have a place in government, it is highly unusual—and potentially inappropriate—for a local fire department to privately fund influence campaigns with public money. In fact, a thorough search of Louisiana’s ethics and lobbying disclosures has revealed no other fire department entity in the state engaging in this behavior.

“We’re not asking for special treatment—we’re asking for equal treatment,” said the spokesperson. “Instead of spending money lobbying against the men and women who run toward danger, perhaps the department’s leadership should direct funds to fixing the pay disparities that exist.”

Local 4524 urges residents, lawmakers, and oversight bodies to take a hard look at this pattern of spending and demand accountability from those entrusted with protecting our community and managing its resources.