ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Don
WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
That question is really shorthand for: Do you belong here? Do you understand us?
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After 37 years in Carencro, you’d think that’d be an easy answer… right? Well, maybe not for everyone. Because a birthplace is just a moment—but a hometown is a lifetime commitment.
Like most folks here, I was born at a hospital in another town because, as we all know, Carencro doesn’t have a maternity ward. The truth is, none of us gets to choose where we’re born but we do choose where we live, where we invest our lives, and where we put down roots.
In 1989, Harriet and I moved to the Carencro area with our one-year-old daughter. It didn’t take long before this community found its way into our hearts. For nearly four decades, this is where we've raised our family, served our neighbors, and built our life. My life, my work, and my future are tied to this community.
This is home.
I'm running for Mayor because I’ve been here long enough to understand where we’ve been and why it matters so much to protect the small-town values that make Carencro special.
And to everyone who’s moved here along the way, don’t worry, you can say it too:
“I’m from Carencro!”
WHAT I DID AS CITY MANAGER?
In January 2017, Mayor Glenn Brasseaux offered me the position of City Manager.
After thoughtful discussions with my wife, Harriet, and much prayer, I accepted the role and retired from the Lafayette Fire Department. At that time, I was also serving as Carencro’s Fire Chief, so I transitioned to Assistant Fire Chief and began reporting to City Hall.
As City Manager, I was involved in every aspect of city operations and capital projects. During my tenure, I managed more than $65 million in infrastructure investments, including the construction of a new Fire Station to help protect our excellent fire insurance rating, and a new Police Station designed to house a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center and support a growing department.
I also oversaw major improvements across the city, including drainage upgrades, street overlays, water and sewer system enhancements, expansion of the natural gas system, and the implementation of advanced cellular water meters capable of detecting even small leaks to help residents avoid costly utility bills. These projects positioned Carencro for continued residential and commercial growth.
Beyond capital improvements, I worked closely with the Fire and Police Chiefs to ensure they had the personnel, tools, and equipment necessary to protect our community. I directed the preparation and management of the city’s budget and oversaw a wide range of municipal functions, including garbage services, traffic control and signage, code enforcement, planning and permitting, ordinance development, regulatory compliance, property maintenance, roadside cleanup, drainage maintenance, facility upkeep, personnel management, public communications, and public safety initiatives.
This experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage a city and deliver results for its residents.
WHERE I COME FROM
On January 17, 2017, after 28 years, I retired from the Lafayette Fire Department as a District Chief at the busiest fire station in Lafayette. Prior to my promotion to District Chief I was a Fire & Rescue Captain at Station #2 where our motto was "Engine 2 can handle!"
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While I was still an Engineer (driver) I was elected to serve as President of the Lafayette Fire Fighters Association. A position I held unopposed for 16 years. During that time my proudest accomplishments included working with legislators preserving health and cancer benefits. Those relationships are still intact.
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The most rewarding activities were the charitable events like "Fill The Boot" drives for Muscular Dystrophy. Throughout the year firefighters state-wide would compete and while I was President every year we finished 1st or 2nd including a record breaking year over $100,000!
CARENCRO FIRE CHIEF 2014 - 2017
ASST. FIRE CHIEF
2017 - Present
In January 2014, Mayor Brasseaux offered me the position of Fire Chief which is considered part-time or 30 hours per week. I quickly found out that wasn't true. Despite the long hours I enjoyed the opportunity to work with the men and women who Volunteer their time to train on nights and weekends and then respond around the clock.
As Chief I completed the implementation of Civil Service classifications to bring order to hiring process while providing stability to attract and retain trained firefighters.
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Following the flood of 2016, I purchased a military vehicle to serve as a high water rescue platform and with the lift gate it was very popular with the kids at fire prevention events.
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Later that year, Police Chief David Anderson and I co-sponsored Carencro's first National Night Out annual community-building campaign.
In January 2017, I recommended Lafayette Firefighter Captain David Mouton to take my place as Fire Chief and I stepped down to Assistant Fire Chief and reported to City Hall.