PRAIRIEVILLE — The Prairieville Fire Department announced the hiring of new Fire Chief Daniel Neal, PhD. 

Neal has more than 30 years of fire service experience and a national reputation for his crisis management and leadership skills, the department said. 

"Chief Neal is a 'boots-on-the-ground' leader who is ready to serve the men and women of our District and the residents of Prairieville," PFD said. 

The move is a homecoming for Neal's wife, Alicia, who is a Louisiana native, and their oldest daughter will begin her freshman year at LSU in August.