His wife told Wayne Lavergne to put up or shut up. He’s putting up, and will retire from the Eunice fire chief’s job on July 31.

He reached full pension retirement status three years ago and has been talking off and on about turning in his papers.

Finally, he said, his wife Margaret recently got tired of hearing it.

“She told me to do it or quit talking about it,” he chuckled.

Lavergne, a 33-year member of the department, has been chief five years.

He said the most significant department achievement during his tenure as chief was earning and retaining a better fire insurance rating.

“Not only does that save homeowners and businesses money on their insurance premiums, but it signifies we are more prepared and more capable in responding to various situations,” Lavergne said.

The process of choosing his successor began last week when the Fire and Police Civil Service Board voted to schedule an examination for chief applicants.

That test will be open to candidates state-wide as well as to any eligible members of the Eunice department.

Once the test results are posted, the appointing authority (mayor and City Council) pick a new chief from among those passing the test.

Lavergne, 55, said at least three Eunice fire captains are expected to take the test.

As for him, he plans to bale some hay, do some other work and enjoying camping.