LAPLACE, La. (WGNO) – “He was one of those people who never said a negative word about anyone and was always willing to stay up through the night … and come back bright and early in the morning to get things done.”
Friends, family and community members poured into the St. John Parish Community Center today to honor St. John Fire Chief Spencer Chauvin.
Chauvin, 36, was killed Sunday in a horrific charter bus crash on I-10 near LaPlace.
Chauvin was a 12-year veteran of the fire department who worked as a volunteer firefighter before joining the department. He leaves behind two children.
“Spencer and I worked together in emergency operations center for many, many emergencies, from hurricanes to freezes to traffic incidents, and I’ve described him as just a good guy,” said Buddy Boe, a friend and former co-worker. “One of those people who never said a negative word about anyone and was always willing to stay up through the night if that was needed during an emergency, or come back bright and early in the morning to get things done. Spence, I think you made an impact while you were here, and that’s a goal for all of us.”
Family friend Germaine Roussel said she was “heartbroken” when she heard the news.
“Very difficult, you can tell from my voice,” Roussel said. “It’s just tragic, when you’re out trying to help someone else.”
“He will be greatly missed by the parish. It’s hard, it’s hard for all of us, but we’re going to make it through just like anything else. We will all be here for his family and for the fire department,” said Terry Abadie, a friend.
