Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal appointed Gonzales Fire Chief H. “Butch” Browning, Jr. state fire marshall. Browning replaces former Alexander Fire Chief Paul Smith.

“Butch Browning has an incredible wealth of experience in firefighting, fire training, response and emergency preparedness," Jindal said. "Ensuring the safety of Louisiana children and families is an incredibly important mission and the state will benefit from his leadership, knowledge and service.”

Browning has served as the Gonzales fire chief since 2001. He entered public service as a sheriff’s deputy for East Baton Rouge Parish in 1986, and later taught firefighting techniques as an adjunct professor at LSU from 1987 to 1998. Browning also served as assistant fire chief for the District 6 Fire Department in Baton Rouge from 1987 to 1998, when he was promoted to fire chief.

Browning developed a paramedic ALS transport system, created Project Life Saver, a fire-safety program, and Effective Fire Drill, a program for fire safety in schools. Browning is a recipient of the 2000 and 2006 Roy Robichaux Legislative Award. He also was named the 1996 Louisiana Fireman of the year, by the American Legion, and named District 6 Officer of the Year in 1988, 1989, 1991 and 1993.

Browning received fire-prevention training from the National Fire Academy, LSU, and Oklahoma State University. He is a registered EMT, a certified accelerant detection handler, and a peer counselor. He is a member of the American Red Cross, the Louisiana Arson and Fire Prevention Association, and the International Fire Chiefs Association. Browning has also previously served on the Governor’s Arson Strike Force Committee, as a former president of the Louisiana Arson and Fire Prevention Committee and a former president of the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association. He has an associate’s degree in fire science from LSU.

"I'm going to explore my options throughout the state and see what happens," Smith recently told the Town Talk newspaper. "But I do want to stay in the fire service."

To become fire marshal in 2007, he left the Alexandria Fire Department after 11 years as chief and 32 years of fire service experience. Smith was appointed by then Gov. Kathleen Blanco, a Democrat. Jindal is Republican.