Louisiana Govenor Bobby Jindal has announced his appointed of Bossier City Fire Chief Sammy Halphen to the Louisiana Emergency Response Commission.

Members of the commission are selected for their expertise in the field of emergency response to notify and protect the public in the event of a release of hazardous materials into the environment.

The commission's responsibilities include establishing emergency planning districts, appointing local emergency planning committees, supervising and coordinating the activities of local emergency planning committees, providing the Environmental Protection Agency with information concerning notification received on certain releases of hazardous materials and substances and designating facilities subject to hazardous material reporting procedures.

Lt. Col. Ralph Mitchell of the Louisiana State Police serves as chair of the commission.

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