Given the chance, a reality TV show profiling our state elected officials and political appointees would surely eclipse Duck Dynasty in the ratings—except viewers outside Louisiana would swear the stories were nothing but lowbrow fiction.
When Gov. Bobby Jindal announced the appointment of Butch Browning as State Fire Marshal shortly after taking office in 2008, for example, it turned out to be one of a series of appointments that have come back to embarrass the administration [aside from the fact that the administration appears immune to embarrassment]. Yet, as with almost all the other poor choices, he is resistant to making needed changes in leadership—thereby solidifying his image as a Stand by My Man governor.
The lone exception to that mindset is Bruce Greenstein, former Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals—but that dismissal came only after word leaked out of a federal investigation of possible improprieties surrounding a contract Greenstein awarded to his former employer.
While Troy Hebert, Director of the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) and State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson have garnered the lion’s share of negative attention, Browning, for the most part, has managed to fly beneath the radar despite several events that occurred during his watch that probably should have demanded closer examinations and, in just about any other administration, dismissal.
Over the next few days, LouisianaVoice will be conducting the scrutiny that Jindal obviously eschews as we look at some of the eye-opening events and practices within the State Fire Marshal’s office.
Browning was appointed on March 8, 2008, barely a month after Jindal began his first term. “Ensuring the safety of Louisiana children and families is an incredibly important mission and the state has benefitted from his leadership, knowledge and service,” Jindal said in a canned press release at the time.
Browning began his public career as a deputy sheriff for East Baton Rouge Parish in 1986 and was named Gonzales Fire Chief in 1998.
“I passionately share the vision of Gov. Bobby Jindal and Col. Mike Edmonson to come together as one,” he said somewhat prophetically at the time of his appointment.
Browning managed to keep his nose relatively clean for a couple of years but in mid-April of 2012 Browning resigned, albeit briefly, in the midst of a pair of simultaneous investigations of his office to accept a job in an area plant, saying the offer was “too good to pass up,” only to return—with a substantial raise in pay—less than two weeks later.
His brief retirement and return just happened to coincide with an investigation launched that, oddly enough, Browning claimed later to be unaware of and which prompted efforts in the Legislature to abolish the investigating agency, a subject to which we will return later in this series. It’s all part of the surreal Louisiana political atmosphere to which we seem to have become inured.
His problems actually originated when the Metropolitan Crime Commission in New Orleans forwarded allegations of mismanagement and fraud against Browning in late 2011.
Among those allegations were claims that Browning’s employees traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in May of 2011 as one of many recovery teams dispatched there following a series of deadly tornadoes. Those employees, the accusations said, were instructed to bill the Federal Management Emergency Administration (FEMA) for 18-hour work days. The complaint said the hours were billed even though the employees took two days off to attend LSU-Alabama baseball games. It also said that while FEMA did not pay the firefighters, the state did. FEMA, however, was unable to confirm whether or not it had paid the firefighters.
Two other allegations accused Browning of suppressing a finding that a certificate should not have been issued by one of his inspectors for a carnival ride on which two teenagers were subsequently injured and that he paid two members of his office to serve as drivers and security for attendees to a National State Fire Marshal’s conference in New Orleans.
Meanwhile, it was learned that Browning was making public appearances in his dress uniform, complete with military medals from World War II and the Korean War—except for one inconvenient little oversight: he never even served in the military, much less served in either of the two wars. In fact, he wasn’t even born until well after the conclusion of both wars.
Browning proudly wears military medals in this file photo.
There also is the pesky federal law called the Stolen Valor Act, which makes it a federal misdemeanor for anyone to wear military commendations they did not earn.
That brought the wrath of veterans down upon Browning. “We take pride in what we wear,” said one Marine officer. “Marines don’t hand out ribbons like candy. You have to earn it.” A couple of others called his wearing the medals and ribbons “disrespectful” and U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-New Orleans) said, “There’s nothing more disgraceful than trying to present yourself as someone who served in the military when you didn’t.”
“We’ve been informed that Mr. Browning never served in the military, yet he was wearing military ribbons awarded to every branch of the military service that span World War II, the Korean war and the Kosovo campaign,” said Rafael Goyeneche, President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission who called Browning’s wearing the ribbons “problematic.”
Every branch of the military service? Well, at least he was an equal opportunity fraud, though he did explain that he received the ribbons from the Gonzales Fire Department where he served as chief before his appointment to the State Fire Marshal’s post by Jindal.
On April 18, 2012, Browning, while denying that he was the target of any investigation, suddenly announced his “retirement,” saying he was accepting a job offer as a superintendent at a petrochemical plant in Ascension Parish that he described as “too good to pass up.” His resignation was effective immediately, he said.
But passion apparently trumped too good to pass up for on April 30, just 12 short days later, he was reinstated as he gushed, “my passion is public service.”
But his return reportedly presented a problem. Sources told LouisianaVoice that when he resigned, he was paid for 300 hours of unused annual leave, or about $13,000. When he returned, he was required to repay the money but those same sources said he no longer had the money.
But records show that State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson, who doubles as Deputy Superintendent of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and apparently as DPS problem solver, simply bumped Browning’s salary by $8,000 per year, from $92,000 to $99,000 even though he returned at the same Assistant Secretary position as before—apparently so he could afford to repay the $13,000. How many of us would quit our jobs for 12 days in exchange for an $8,000 raise in pay?
Problem solved.
Well, not quite.
While Edmonson was laudatory in welcoming Browning back into the fold, Goyeneche was not nearly so forgiving of Browning—or of Edmonson, for that matter—and the political fallout was almost instantaneous.
Edmonson, metaphorically spreading rose petals in Browning’s path, said the DPS Internal Affairs Section had investigated the allegations and found “no factual evidence” to support the claims. “That investigation has shown me that Butch did not abuse his power or violate the public trust,” he added.
This from a man who, only two years later, would attempt to engineer a lucrative $55,000 a year increase to his own retirement through a furtive, last-minute amendment to an otherwise unrelated Senate bill steered past an unsuspecting and distracted legislature in the closing hours of the 2014 session—with the abetting of Gov. Bobby Jindal and the author of the amendment, State Sen. Neil Riser (R-Columbia).
Edmonson said Browning’s worst sin was to sign papers as a matter routine but which he did not thoroughly read but which were done with no criminal intent or fraud. He said he told Browning he wanted him back on the job—apparently sans military decorations—after an “outpouring” of public support.
Goyeneche, meanwhile, was livid and described the expedited exoneration of Browning as “Louisiana politics at its worst” (see the LouisianaVoice masthead) and unconscionable. “I think this is a political decision and not a decision based on its merits as Fire Marshal,” Goyeneche said. “If the standard is going to be whether Butch Browning broke the law then this is a sad day in Louisiana. State police make decisions every day to discipline officers on administrative issues and this is someone who has made several managerial blunders.”
Browning, for his part, said he welcomed input that would result in positive changes. “The integrity of the Office of State Fire Marshal is one of my top priorities,” he pontificated with self-puffery. “It’s what the public expects.”
In the coming days, we will examine how Browning, with a little help from his friends, manages to continue to survive integrity breaches and how a critical report by one state investigative agency result in a legislative effort to abolish the agency—kill the messenger, as it were—rather than consider correcting deficiencies investigators cited in Browning’s office.
Louisiana Voice 
Is Butch related to the husband of Sharon Watts Browning who is a Jindal appointee in central and had the central school district redrawn to include her home which isn’t in Central?
Is he related to Norman Browning who is pushing to form the city of St George?
How about Doug Browning who was appointed as Central’s police chief?
Without access to his family tree, it’s impossible for me to address these questions. Browning is not the most common of names and he is a native of the Baker-Brownsfield area which is in the same general area as Central.
So it wouldn’t surprise us if they are related.
Tom, how are you going to fit so much corruption going on around the state in one book?
It won’t be easy. Perhaps two volumes–one for each term.
When Mr. Jindal finally moves out of the Guv’s Mansion will he bring this band of misfits with him? Maybe they can share the cost of moving and board a bus, out of state of course.
Why is Edmondson not behind bars wearing Orange?
Tom, you know law of averages is going to catch up to the self-serving thieves in this administration.
They are worse then a pickpocket.
They’re patting you on your back while their other hand is in your pocket.
I cannot believe the way Jindal dodges the media in this state. I never thought I would see the day.
Thanks for your work, Tom
Pretending to be a war veteran by wearing a uniform with medals and ribbons in public is just plain bizarre! Are there any psychologists among your readers who could give us a differential diagnosis of what this behavior is indicative of?
In the dealings I have had with this individual through the years when he was a local fire chief, it was my impression that he had a pretty high opinion of himself and bought in to his own press releases. The situation with the medals is worse than I even imagined, however. If I am not mistaken, he went to the Gonzales Fire Department as Chief. Who, exactly, would have been awarding the medals? The mayor? The city council? And for what? Did he submit his budget on time? As a fire chief, he would not normally have been performing heroic deeds on the front line. And how many such events would have occurred during his time in Gonzales? I suggest he purchased these medals and “awarded” them to himself. To trivialize the heroic actions of our true heroes by using their acts of service and valor as a decoration on his uniform is an embarrassment. Going back to his days at Brownsfield, he never missed an opportunity to grab the media spotlight, and that never stopped. The medals are all part of the packaging, but how arrogant to think no one would notice. He was so adept at getting his face in front of the TV cameras, I humorously wondered if he didn’t see himself as governor someday. Maybe on a slow day (yeah – like that’s going to happen), Tom will contact the City of Gonzales and the fire department about their policies regarding rewards and recognition. Doesn’t it seem there would be a paper trail for such a hometown hero?
When I first read your article about Chief Browning, I laughed, “Just a rehashed non researched irresponsible internet piece of spam”. It really doesn’t come close to journalism and can only be done on the internet due to convenient anonymity. After reexamining my prospective I had to wonder why I wasn’t mad, but just deeply disappointed and somewhat saddened. The prospective I wright from is that of a Volunteer Firefighter of over 30 years, and still active. Firefighters have common personality traits. They have so much in common that it’s easy to get to know each other, easy to understand each other’s contributions and recognize each other’s bravery. It takes a special type of person to do what firefighters do. Firefighters are sure not in it for the money or recognition.
Now here is what I can write with research and fact finding:
Butch Browning grew up in Brownsfield, where an unfortunate house fire burned him at 3 years old. I guess you could say this set the course. He became a member of the Brownsfield Volunteer Fire Department at 13 as a Junior Firefighter and was a certified first responder at 15. It’s a hell of an accomplishment when at 15 you are already doing mouth to mouth and compressions.
In 1986 Butch Browning went to work at District 6 first as a volunteer then as a paid Firefighter. His quest to become better lead him to more and more certifications, too numerous to list, while over and over with his fellow Firefighters responding to house fires car wrecks medical emergencies rescue and whatever else called for. His leadership abilities and organizational skills were recognized at District 6 as he rose through the ranks to Fire Prevention Chief then to Assistant Chief. Chief Browning has not only gained knowledge but has a constant need to share for the good of the fire service. He seems to eat and breath fire service there doesn’t seem to be anything else for him. He made time to become active in the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association and became leader and President of this 13,000 member organization. He is still active today in the LSFA and chairs several committees.
When the opportunity presented itself Butch Browning took the position as Chief Browning for the Gonzales Fire Department. With his leadership that department has risen to one of the best in the State. His accomplishments can be clearly seen there and still stand. It’s no wonder he was a clear best choice for the office of Fire Marshal.
I realize it’s the norm for Governors to appoint for political reasons, and people assume it to be true. With research and knowing Chief Browning, one can say unequivocally there was no politics involved in this appointment. Chief Browning didn’t have or know anybody that owed favors. He was clearly the best qualified choice. With that said please understand that in the past Fire Marshals have been appointed for political reasons. This could clearly lead you to believe that the office could use improvement when Browning got there. There were dead head jobs and people that were used to not having to do their jobs. This could have been an insurmountable task and an easy one to ignore. Chief Browning went after the problems and along the way created a small number of disgruntled employees who had been there long enough to start problems. The false accusations and muck racking along with a costly investigation can be traced directly to these people. Chief Browning left the Fire Marshal’s office voluntarily to insure that he did not influence the investigation. You can imagine how doing this must have hurt a man of his altruistic integrity. After the investigation found not a hint of wrong doing Chief Browning was asked to return and continue. Anyone interested in doing so can find documented improvements in the Fire Marshal’s office. 40% increase in efficiency in plan reviews and inspections. Inspectors and agents went from doing 3 to 5 calls per day. Inspectors are held to higher standards and accountability for their inspections. It’s unfortunate that the Carnival ride incident occurred, but these gypsies have been flying under the radar for some time, but please realize the Fire Marshal’s office has limited resources. You don’t see LA State Police being beat up by the news every time there is a motor vehicle fatality. Sometimes our politicians have to act to give the power to the agencies that protect us.
It’s a shame that positive accomplishments aren’t news worthy. It’s probably boring to talk about positive. By the way Chief Browning’s legislative accomplishments are stellar. Just to paraphrase a few; you pay less for fire insurance because Chief Browning wrote legislation to change the way risk assessments are done. Every volunteer in the State now has disability insurance through the Fire Marshal’s office. Every Legislative session Chief Browning pushes to pass bills that benefit the fire service and allow them to perform to higher standards and affect public safety. His accomplishments in the Legislature are truly too numerous to list averaging over 15 bill to law each year.
Above all Chief Browning has never lost or doubted his love for the Fire service in Louisiana and the principals of public safety and service it stands for. There is no doubt and factual that the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office is far better than it was before Chief Browning. We can only hope that the next governor sees fit to ask again and that Butch will answer the call as he has since 13 years old.
What I have written is fact and can be verified by anyone who wishes to do research.
By the way the medals that Chief Browning wore represent some of the many certifications earned by him in his career. It is tradition and standard practice in the Firefighters to wear them on class A uniforms it has nothing to do with military. Again this is FACT. I can provide sources and documentation for the statements above. I regret that all of Chief’s Browning’s work cant be listed. He probably would not want or need that.
Paul E. Gilmore
Deputy Chief PVFD
anonymity? It’s got my name at the top of the story.
And you want me to believe it’s customary to wear military medals from wars that took place before he was even born? If it is, it’s a custom that is in violation of federal law.
And as for “non-researched,” I have a stack of documents from the Metropolitan Crime Commission, plus some information that has never even been published yet. Sorry, but I’ve done more research than you can begin to imagine.
Firefighting is a noble profession, and most are heroic and selfless in their actions. If it is the custom in a specific department to award medals for certifications, there are companies which make recognition awards specifically for the fire service. Medals specific to the fire service might include meaningful symbols such as the bugle as a sign of leadership, as this was how communication was established in the early days of fire fighting. There is no need, nor is it appropriate, to wear a medal designed for one of our armed services for other than the purpose for which it was designed, or by someone who has not legitimately earned that right in service to his country. Just as it would be inappropriate for a medal of valor designed for the fire service to be worn by someone in the military because he thought it would symbolize a certification he was awarded.
Tom Aswell is a journalist with impeccable credentials and a dedication to his profession. If there is ever a mistake in one of his articles, he is the first to correct the mistake. More importantly, he tells truths that make people in power uncomfortable. In a political climate where state employees are fired for expressing honest opinions, and members of the legislature are terrorized and threatened with loss of committee assignments and capital outlay projects for the areas they represent, Tom speaks the truth that they cannot. When those in power believe laws apply to everyone but them, Tom calls their hand on it. Armed with only his pen, Tom has been more effective in putting a stop to the unchecked behavior of the current administration than has the entire legislature.
Job experience and knowledge of the fire service are certainly required to be appointed to the position of State Fire Marshal, but make no mistake that it is also a political appointment by the governor, just as are the heads of the other major departments.
Mr. Aswell,
Sorry about the anonymity thing. I was not clear I was referring to the internet in general.
By the way I am also privy to the documents you refer to. The investigations done by the Metropolitan crime commission and led by Steven Street, Inspector General, contained many allegations that thorough investigation proved to be false. I also know that Mr. Street is a zealot that would leave no stone unturned. I also know that the investigation included confiscation and examination of computers including laptops used by Chief Browning and his staff. I also know that a member of Chief Browning’s staff resigned due to the constant harassment from this investigation. If you think it was a buddy, buddy investigation between Browning and Edmonson you are dead wrong. It was adversarial. The bottom line is that not one allegation is true. If there was any doubt of wrong doing you can believe Hell would freeze before Street would let it go.
Mr. Aswell you have my email feel free to discuss.
Paul E Gilmore
Deputy Chief PVFD
All interested,
Please check out the link and look at ribbons and awards for Fire Fighter I – Fire Fighter IV then look at Hazmat 1 – 3 and Hazmat specialist, then look at EMT then look at life saving , Engineer/operator, Safety officer, extrication specialist, there are others not shown such as Fire Instructor 1 – 3 Fire Officer 1-3. All of which and more Chief Browning has earned and has the right to wear.
http://www.publicsafetyspecialties.com/civilian_cloth_ribbons.htm
You can find different forms and styles of these ribbons and metals for the Fire Service. They resemble military ribbons!
If you get a chance to see the class dress attire at the LA State Fire Chiefs convention you will see all sorts of ropes stripes patches and ribbons and metals. Some Chiefs resemble 19th century Mexican Generals. It’s just what they do.
Paul E. Gilmore
Deputy Chief PVFD
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