The Iberia, Vermilion and Acadia parish fire districts are hosting the annual Louisiana State Firemen's Association conference in New Iberia.
Panels will offer information on mental health, financial strategy, stress, substance abuse and dealing with childhood crisis. Spouses will attend separate informational sessions and visit Iberia Parish attractions.
The LSFA will hold its annual meeting and elect its 2013-2014 officers on Aug. 2. An award banquet will close the conference on Aug. 3.
The vendor exhibit is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. on Aug. 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 2, and 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 3 in the Cypress, Evangeline and Oak Rooms of the Ramada.
"This is an opportune time for firefighters to make new friends and visit with old ones," said Dwayne Thevis, LSFA president and chief service technician at Iberia Parish Fire District 1. "Our conference this year is geared toward mental health in the fire service. I would like to invite all fire service personnel to attend this year's conference. It will be some time before New Iberia has the opportunity to host this event again."
"Dwayne met with our staff over a year ago to discuss our services for event planners, so we kind of had an idea this event was going to be special," said Fran Thibodeaux, executive director of the Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. "He has done a tremendous job planning every little detail to make sure the attendees have the best experience possible. We thank him for promoting New Iberia as the host city. It is an honor for our community to welcome dedicated fire personnel who risk their lives to protect people and property across Louisiana."