Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana – Calcasieu Parish is mourning the loss of Dick Gremillion, the former director of the Calcasieu Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP), who passed away on Saturday, October 26. Gremillion had a distinguished career spanning 31 years with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, with 28 of those years dedicated to leading the OHSEP department.
During his tenure, Gremillion played a crucial role in guiding the department through significant changes, particularly in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks. He spearheaded the department’s expansion to include homeland security, ensuring the parish was better equipped to respond to various emergencies. Under his leadership, the OHSEP department navigated 25 federally declared disasters, including notable hurricanes such as Rita, Ike, Harvey, Laura, and Delta, as well as floods, tornadoes, and wildfires.
Gremillion’s dedication to emergency preparedness and response was evident in his commitment to the parish. He worked to ensure the community was prepared for and resilient in the face of disasters. His experience and expertise were invaluable assets to the parish, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of emergency management professionals.
Before his retirement in May, Gremillion had become a respected figure in the community, known for his expertise and dedication to emergency preparedness.
“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.”
“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.”
Joint statement from former Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso and Current Sheriff Stitch Guillory on the passing of former OHSEP Director Dick Cremillion:
“We are saddened by the passing of Dick Cremillion, whose leadership and commitment to our community guided Calcasieu Parish through some of the most challenging times over the past two decades. 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.
We extend our condolences to his wife, Fay, sons, Richard Jr. and Andy, and his entire family, as well as all who knew him. His impact on Calcasieu Parish will be remembered with gratitude.”
Former Sheriff Tony Mancuso added, “I not only knew Dick professionally but had the privilege of knowing him and his wife, Fay personally, including coaching one of his sons, Richard, in baseball – He was a friend whose commitment to Calcasieu Parish and to his family was unmatched.”
Sheriff Stitch Guillory stated, “Dick’s knowledge, and dedication made him an integral part of Calcasieu Parish’s emergency response. He was there with many of us in times of crisis, planning and making decisions that protect our citizens. His legacy will be felt for years to come.”
Funeral arrangements for Dick Gremillion are pending.