A leaked audio clip that appears to capture Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 5 Fire Chief Joe Koczrowski using the n-word has thrown the Denham Springs fire district into turmoil, prompting an emergency board meeting and renewed calls for his resignation. The recording is said to be from a recent internal meeting where Koczrowski was talking about a proposed townhome development and rising rents. He has told reporters he does not recall using a racial slur.
What the recording appears to show
The audio, released to local media, "appears to capture" a voice believed to be Chief Koczrowski saying, "Unless a [N-word] can afford $2,600 a month rent," during a discussion about a Denham Springs townhome project, according to KALB. A high-ranking member who was in the room told reporters the clip is authentic and comes from a meeting held a couple of weeks ago. That single line has quickly become the flashpoint for trustees and residents alike.
Board response and next steps
Trustees convened an emergency session and, after a stint in executive session, opted not to take immediate action while they consult the board attorney, according to WAFB. Board President Susan Mack told reporters the panel hopes to reach a final decision within 60 days and said possible outcomes range from suspension to termination. The district's published agenda listed a "Request for executive session to discuss a personnel matter," signaling that any move against the chief will run through formal channels.
Chief's response
Asked directly about the tape, Koczrowski told reporters he does not recall using a racial slur and replied, "Not to my knowledge," when pressed, as reported by FOX5. Officials emphasized the situation is being treated as an internal personnel matter rather than a criminal investigation, and any discipline will follow the district's established procedures after a legal review. Trustees said their attorney will be consulted before any action is taken.
Community reaction and timeline
Residents who packed into the meeting, along with others watching from the sidelines, have expressed anger and are calling for Koczrowski to resign, arguing the reported comments raise serious questions about equal treatment for different neighborhoods, according to WAFB. The board has signaled it will revisit the controversy at upcoming meetings, with the next scheduled session set for Monday, April 13. For now, trustees say they will lean on legal counsel and the official record of the meeting as they decide whether disciplinary action is warranted.
