Former OHSEP Director Dick Gremillion dies

Published 4:49 pm Sunday, October 27, 2024

Former Calcasieu Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Dick Gremillion died over the weekend.

Gremillion retired in May after 31 years of service with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, 28 of which were as OHSEP Director.

“Dick Gremillion will always be remembered for his calm and steady leadership during countless emergencies in Calcasieu Parish,” said Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Anthony Bartie. “His composure and poise under duress helped our staff and our residents make wise decisions based on facts instead of fear. He was a great asset to our community and will be missed by all of us who knew and admired him.”

Gremillion guided the department through changes to include homeland security in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks, and he led Calcasieu Parish through 25 federally-declared disasters during his 28 years, notably Hurricanes Rita, Ike, Harvey, Laura, and Delta, as well as floods, tornadoes and wildfires.

“Dick was treasured in Calcasieu Parish. He holds a special place in our hearts because people trusted him in times of distress related to threats from natural disasters,” said Parish Administrator Bryan Beam. “We will miss him greatly.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

“We are saddened by the passing of Dick Gremillion, whose leadership and commitment to our community guided Calcasieu Parish through some of the most challenging times over the past two decades,” said Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory and former Sheriff Tony Mancuso. “We both had the privilege of working alongside Dick, whose presence was instrumental during Hurricanes Rita and Laura, major floods, freezes, and numerous other incidents.  Dick was not only a skilled director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness but also a trusted colleague and friend to many of us.