Lake Charles Firefighters Honored Veteran Bennie Maylen

The community gathered to celebrate the 100-year-old veteran and former fire captain for his decades of dedicated service.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Civic

Lake Charles Firefighters Honored Veteran Bennie Maylen

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The Lake Charles Fire Department hosted a meal to honor Bennie Maylen, a 100-year-old World War II veteran and retired fire captain. The event recognized his 43-year career with the department and his combat demolition service in the U.S. Navy.

Why it matters

This event highlights the lasting connection between local first responders and military veterans. It served as a formal gesture of appreciation for Maylen's dual legacy of public safety work and national military service.

Bennie Maylen reached the milestone age of 100 and completed a 43-year tenure with the Lake Charles Fire Department. His family history includes military and fire service, with his son Raymond serving in the Army for two years.

The players

Bennie Maylen

He is a 100-year-old United States Navy veteran and a former captain at the Lake Charles Fire Department.

Delton Carter

He is the Lake Charles Fire Chief who served for 16 years in the United States Army.

Raymond Maylen

He is a retired Lake Charles Fire Department captain who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Once Was

This is a nonprofit organization that coordinates community events for veterans and first responders.

The details

The Camaraderie Meal of Remembrance was organized by the nonprofit group Once Was and held at the Lake Charles Fire Department administration building. The gathering facilitated a shared space for local veterans and first responders to honor the service of the Maylen family.

Raymond Maylen served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969.
The Maylen family gathered at the fire department on October 12, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This celebration reflects a growing trend of municipal fire departments formalizing their role as hubs for civic and veteran recognition. It aligns with the broader movement of nonprofits like Once Was that seek to bridge the gap between military service and community leadership.

Residents of Lake Charles can participate in future commemorative events by contacting the local fire administration or regional veteran support groups. These gatherings provide the public with opportunities to connect directly with retired public servants in an accessible setting.

The takeaway

Recognizing long-term service builds stronger bonds between different generations of public servants. Taking time to celebrate individual contributions can foster a more cohesive and supportive local community environment.