My name is Lance P. Provost II and I am the appointed Director of Training and Records Custodian for the Iberia Parish Communications District. The Communications District receives, processes and transfers all emergency 9-1-1 calls received within the Parish of Iberia. District Telecommunicators are also tasked with the complete processing and dispatching of all fire calls for the New Iberia Fire Department and Iberia Parish Fire District #1.
My career in public safety started when I was rather young, on my 19th birthday to be exact. In essence, I know nothing else other than “The Public Safety Profession”. I was previously employed by a law enforcement agency for approximately seven (7) years and recently made the move to the Communications District. While working in law enforcement I completed the Police Academy and held a Louisiana POST Certification. After completing the Police Academy and time as a Patrol Officer I came to the conclusion that Public Safety Communications was my passion and training was my purpose!
As most people know, a dedicated dispatcher doesn’t have much spare time. But when I am off and not getting called in or making an unknown appearance in the center, I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my American PitBull, the Amazing Larry Butter. Yeap, that is his real name, it was like that when I rescued him and after getting to know and love him, I would have not named him anything else. He lives up to the amazing part if I must say so myself. Amazingly Bad but Amazing to say the least. He is about 70 pounds but thinks he is a tea-cup poodle. He is the most loveable animal and it amazes me how he notices when I am having a bad day and insist on making it better. When Larry is not running around, causing ruckus, he enjoys laying down on his very own recliner and watching his favorite reality shows (I know, its crazy). He is not just loved by me though, my family loves him and so do my co-workers. It is not uncommon for me to walk into the center and before I get told hello, I am asked “How’s Larry!?!”. He often makes unannounced appearances in the Communications Center and the Telecommunicators absolutely love his visits and giving him all the head and belly rubs they can!