Eric Andre Bacon died in the line of duty on December 29, 2020, due to complications of COVID-19.
After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Army National Guard as a private first class.
Eric was a career public servant with over two decades of fire service. He previously served as a reserve police officer with the City of Westwego Police Department. Eric began his fire career with the Lafitte, Barataria, Crown Point Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter/operator. Eric also worked with the Live Oak Manor Volunteer Fire Department as an operator/firefighter, fire prevention chief, and PIO.
In 2006, Eric was hired by the Jefferson Parish Eastbank Consolidated Fire Department as a fire investigator. He pursued extensive training and received numerous professional certifications. He was promoted to investigations supervisor, then ultimately to chief of the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Eric was an active member of the International Association of Arson Investigators. He served as a board member and was the Louisiana state chapter president from 2015 until his death. He was a member of the National Association of Fire Investigators, the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association, and the International Association of Property & Evidence. He was awarded Operator of the Year by the Lafitte, Barataria, Crown Point Volunteer Fire Department in December 1999 and Cytec-Firefighter of the Year by the Live Oak Manor Volunteer Fire Department in 2001 and 2002. Eric was an instructor in fire/arson investigation and workplace fire safety and a guest lecturer at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Recruit Training Academy.
In 2018, Eric was instrumental in creating legislation in Louisiana called the Negligent Arson Law. Known for his outstanding professionalism and unwavering dedication to public service, Eric always strived to better himself and others around him. He pursued knowledge of both the fire industry and criminal law and worked tirelessly to combat arsonists. Eric’s love for his brothers and sisters in fire service and law enforcement was unconditional; he was a true partner, friend, brother, and mentor to us all.
He was survived by his beloved wife, Stacie Dupre Bacon; his daughter, Kandace Richardson (Joseph); grandchildren, Hayden, Adalaide, and Logan Richardson; his siblings, Cindy Bacon, Bruce Bacon, and Sandra Dufrene (Randy); his honorary daughter, Taylier Boudreaux; and extended family.
He put his family and friends first. Eric will be missed by many and will be with us forever.
Not a day goes by the something in every day life reminds me of you. I miss the calls and and banter we would share. The cookouts at your place, or mine. The lunches during the week where we would have a group of us to enjoy some food and to shoot the bull… But mostly i just miss you. I love and miss you, Brother…
– Brian DiegelmanI’m heartsick to learn of Eric’s passing. He was a remarkable young man and grew into a fine gentleman. We enjoyed many chats over the years- he was passionate about the fire profession and his family. He was someone I could rely on for accurate information and communication and a wry comment or two. My sincere condolences to his wife and family. Anne Marie Vandenweghe Boudreaux
– Anne Marie Boudreaux