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Bossier City Announces New Fire Chief, Honors Predecessor

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Media Bias Meter
Sources: 5
Center 100%
Sources: 5

60-Second Summary

Bossier City, La. Mayor Tommy Chandler announced this week that Chief Blair Bockhaus will replace retiring Fire Chief Brad Zagone on Jan. 2, 2026, following Zagone’s more than 30 years with the department. Zagone began in 1994 and became chief in 2011, during which the department hired approximately 170 employees, built two stations and maintained a Class 1 rating. City council honored Zagone and recently presented him a key to the city this week. Officials highlighted continuity of public safety leadership and community outreach programs such as the Heroes and Helpers event. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 3 original reports from KTBS, Curated - BLOX Digital Content Exchange and KTALnews.com.

Timeline of Events

  • 1994 — Brad Zagone joined the Bossier City Fire Department as a firefighter.
  • 2011 — Zagone was appointed Fire Chief of Bossier City.
  • During Zagone’s tenure — Department hired about 170 employees and built two fire stations.
  • 18th December 2025 — Heroes and Helpers community event scheduled at Target in Bossier City.
  • Late 2025 — Mayor Tommy Chandler announced Blair Bockhaus as incoming fire chief effective Jan. 2, 2026.
Media Bias
Articles Published:
5
Right Leaning:
0
Left Leaning:
0
Neutral:
5

Who Benefited

Bossier City residents and the fire department benefited from continued Class 1 fire-protection standards and a planned leadership succession ensuring operational continuity.

Who Impacted

No documented parties suffered; coverage describes an orderly retirement and planned appointment with continuing community programs and services.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news.... Zagone retires on Jan. 2, 2026, after 31 years; he became chief in 2011. Mayor Tommy Chandler named Blair Bockhaus as successor; Bockhaus has 21 years’ service and EMS credentials. The department retained its Class 1 rating and runs community outreach events and programs.

Media Bias
Articles Published:
5
Right Leaning:
0
Left Leaning:
0
Neutral:
5
Distribution:
Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%
Who Benefited

Bossier City residents and the fire department benefited from continued Class 1 fire-protection standards and a planned leadership succession ensuring operational continuity.

Who Impacted

No documented parties suffered; coverage describes an orderly retirement and planned appointment with continuing community programs and services.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news.... Zagone retires on Jan. 2, 2026, after 31 years; he became chief in 2011. Mayor Tommy Chandler named Blair Bockhaus as successor; Bockhaus has 21 years’ service and EMS credentials. The department retained its Class 1 rating and runs community outreach events and programs.

Coverage of Story:

From Left

No left-leaning sources found for this story.

From Center

Bossier City Announces New Fire Chief, Honors Predecessor

KTBS Curated - BLOX Digital Content Exchange KTALnews.com KTALnews.com KTALnews.com
From Right

No right-leaning sources found for this story.

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