The city of Westlake’s Fire Department is the only one in Southwest Louisiana to have two firefighters with advanced Emergency Medical Training certification. Recognizing those firefighters, honoring some unsung school heroes, spotlighting a Westlake High School athlete and information about grant-paid Emergency Medical Services (EMS)  training highlighted Monday’s City Council meeting.

Mayor Hal McMillin honored school social workers with a proclamation that detailed their value throughout the community and in the nation “by improving the fabric of the school system by caring for those who have been left behind or those who have lost their voice.”

The Pettieway family of Westlake was lauded as a “fine one” that’s been in Westlake for some time on the occasion of their son, 6-foot, 6-inch Westlake High School Defensive Lineman Ja’Qualon Pettieway signing to play ball after graduation for Missouri Valley College.

“He’s also made all-district in basketball,” McMillin told the Council after he proclaimed Monday, March 20, 2023 as “Ja’Qualon Pettieway Day.”

Captain Michael Cyr and Lieutenant Daniel Brown received advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) patches at the meeting from Fire Chief Jonathan Duff and the Mayor.

“We appreciate these men putting in the extra effort and time to receive advanced certifications, making Westlake the only fire department in Southwest Louisiana to have two advanced EMTs and most importantly, they can do what they need to do to start saving lives before the Acadian Ambulance arrives at the scene.

Billy Vincent of Acadian Ambulance announced a training class that will begin soon that does not require out of pocket tuition for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training that can cost up to $2,800. Students agree to work with Acadian ambulance for the first two years after training. The class begins in April and Acadian Ambulance will host another class in the summer.

“It is the best place to start learning the basics of a healthcare career then work your way up,” Vincent said. “We have many people that have gone on to become nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians.”

Vincent said you can also branch outside of healthcare.

“There are people that go from the EMS to the petrochemical industry in safety,” he said.

To find out more, go to becomeamedic.com.

In addition to honoring people’s achievements, the Monday meeting was a reminder to honor the American Flag.

Armed services commissioner Richard Morgan will be hosting a flag retirement ceremony on Tuesday, April 4 that involves the playing of taps and the proper disposal of flags. To find out more, call Morgan at 337-377-5093.