MISSION STATEMENT

The objective of this organization is the joining together of fire fighting, law enforcement, rescue, and first aid manpower and facilities among Southwest Louisiana industries, and municipalities for mutual assistance in case of emergency situations - either natural, or man-made.

BRIEF HISTORY & DESCRIPTION

The SLMA Organization was formed in 1952 under the name of the "Southwest Louisiana Mutual Aid Association." The top management of the industries located in the vicinity of Lake Charles, Louisiana realized the extent of present industrial development, the future development, and the extremely important economic effect of such an industrial complex. With this thought foremost in their minds, the managers of the industries in the area called a meeting to discuss the organization of a mutual assistance program to cope with emergencies or disaster situations that may arise in one or more of the industries in the area. As a result of this meeting, the individual managers selected representatives from their organizations and charged them with the responsibility of organizing and maintaining an effective mutual assistance program.

The objective of the organization was, at that time, and continues to be, the joining together of trained fire-fighting, rescue, and first aid manpower, along with law enforcement units, and equipment among Southwest Louisiana Industries, and municipalities with a common goal of mutual assistance in case of emergency situations.

Each member participating in the organization agrees to reserve manpower, material, and equipment necessary to handle its own emergencies before releasing the same to other members of the organization. This philosophy holds true today and is entirely the judgment of each member company.

Today, SLMA's membership continues to grow and includes industrial facilities, municipal fire departments, and agencies such as the U. S. Coast Guard; the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Department, Louisiana State Police, local police departments the Calcasieu Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, the Port Authority, several health care facilities and emergency medical teams, along with several equipment suppliers. Officers elected by its general membership govern SLMA. In addition to the officers of the organization, a steering committee helps guide the organization in its monthly business activities.

To conclude, membership into the SLMA organization is open to any company or facility that can meet membership requirements and agrees to abide by the by-laws of the organization.