There is a calm before the storm, and In Southwest Louisiana, it was Dick Gremillion. The former Calcasieu Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, died Saturday, Oct. 26.

“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.”

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 as OHSEP director, notably Hurricanes Rita, Ike, Harvey, Laura and Delta, as well as floods, ice storms, tornadoes, wildfires and incidents at local industry.

“Dick was treasured in Calcasieu Parish,” said Parish Administrator Bryan Beam. “He holds a special place in our hearts because people trusted him.”

Insurance to assurance

The Alexandria native began his career in the insurance industry after graduating from Northwestern University with a business degree. Parish administrators Jerry Milner and Mark Murray hired him for an insurance coordinator job. He advanced to personnel director. After he became head of Disaster Preparation, someone suggested he spice up his on-camera appearances with a little more emotion. Gremillion thought that sounded more like the strategy of a politician running for office than a public servant conveying emergency preparedness information.

“If I had the chance to do it all over again, I probably would do the same thing,” he told the American Press in an interview announcing his retirement in May. “I wouldn’t want to change anything because that would take away from my whole life experience, and that experience has been pretty much positive. I’ve had some failures. Everyone does, but I can say that I really have enjoyed this job.”

During the interview, he said his only regret was not spending as much time with his family as someone who might have been in a different line of work. He always had their full support – and his job was one that required it.

A colleague and friend

Sheriff Stitch Guillory said, “Tony (Mancuso) and I both had the privilege of working alongside Dick. He was not only a skilled director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, but also a trusted colleague and friend to many of us. He was there with us in times of crisis. He made decisions that protected our citizens. His legacy will be felt for years to come.”

“I not only knew Dick professionally but had the privilege of knowing he and his wife, Fay, personally, including coaching one of his sons, Richard, in baseball. Dick was more than a colleague–he was a friend whose commitment to Calcasieu Parish and to his family was unmatched,” said former Sheriff Tony Mancuso.

Jerry Bell, former Homeland Security Advisor for former Sheriff Tony Mancuso and the federal government considered Dick Gremillion a friend.

“He was always there to offer advice, assist me before, during and after the hurricanes. I will miss him and his calming attitude.”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter called Gremillion’s counsel “wise.”

“No matter what situation was at hand, you knew you could count on Dick to offer very straightforward advice. I very much appreciate that. Dick has left a lasting impact on our community, and our parish is a better place today thanks to Dick’s many years of service,” the Mayor said.

Set up for success

Jared Maze was named OHSEP Director when Gremillion retired – not that Dick didn’t call to check in to see how things were going from time to time.

Maze said, it’s not just Southwest Louisiana residents who knew and respected Gremillion. His knowledge and experience in emergency management impacted people throughout the state, and his expertise in dealing with unique incidents was sought on a national level.”

“His mentorship and guidance have set up the emergency services for success in serving the citizens of Calcasieu Parish,” Maze said.     “Dick’s selfless service showed in the way he conducted himself in any minor or major incident, always putting the citizens first in his decision making. I will miss his guidance and friendship deeply.”