Chef, Operator, Firefighter - That's Alex Robicheaux

Despite early doubts about fitting in as the only female member of the department, Alex has grown into the role with confidence, becoming both a capable responder and a role model. The story emphasizes the physical and mental discipline required for firefighting, along with the support of a close-knit team that pushes each other to improve.

Through both challenging calls and meaningful moments - such as safely rescuing pets - Alex’s story reflects a deep sense of purpose. The piece ultimately underscores how Norco employees extend their impact beyond the site, embodying Shell’s values by serving and strengthening the surrounding community.

Firefighters climb trees to rescue cats, right? It’s a scenario often seen in cartoons and nostalgic TV shows. While those heartwarming moments aren’t exactly the focus of modern firefighting, they do still happen. For volunteer responder Alex Robicheaux, one such rescue remains an unforgettable bright spot.

“Firefighters don’t take any callout lightly,” says the Norco Logistics operator. “But once people are safe, the fire is under control, or accident victims are being cared for, we often hear, ‘My pet is still inside.’” She recalls one apartment fire in particular and the surprising number of pets the crew carried out unharmed. “I’ll never forget the feeling of cradling a cat and handing it back to its owner. It was a great moment.”

Norco’s First Responders – and Robicheaux – are ready for any emergency with continued training like this simulated incident during a focused rescue exercise.

Most days, though, Robicheaux’s world as a responder looks very different. The work demands continuous training, sharp instincts, physical and mental strength, trust in your team, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. She gives it her all - as a volunteer serving on Norco’s ERT and as the only female responder in East St. Charles Parish’s Volunteer Fire Department.

Volunteerism runs deep in the firefighting community. The dedication shown by volunteers like Robicheaux reflects a tradition shared by dozens of others who keep St. Charles Parish safe. Her own path to service, however, is uniquely hers. “I chased a dream first,” she recalls. “After high school, I went to Delgado’s culinary school. I wanted to be a chef. I loved it, but the financial stability wasn’t there. I was deciding between PTEC school and working in a plant like my uncles or pursuing a journeyman license to work in my father’s plumbing business.”

“I chose the PTEC route because my dad never has a day off,” she smiles. “But what really sealed the deal was attending the Shell sponsored Date with Destiny event.”

“I applied for a scholarship program at River Parishes Community College, and Shell covered my tuition. That was seven years ago. Changing careers was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. Being financially stable as a single parent is something to be proud of.”

With a PTEC degree and four and a half years of experience as an operator and ERT member at Pinnacle Polymers, she was hired into Norco Logistics—and couldn’t be happier. “Logistics gives me an overview of the site and the chance to work with so many different people. We work with everybody, everywhere,” she says.

“I was training to be a lieutenant on my fire squad at Pinnacle and absolutely fell in love with it,” Robicheaux continues. “During Norco’s ERT training at Texas A&M, Travis Etie encouraged me to volunteer with the East St. Charles department. ‘We are a big family, you’re going to love it,’ he told me. I’m now two years into volunteering, and it’s honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done, besides changing careers. I absolutely love what I do. I love my job in logistics, but I love volunteering just as much.”

As the only female volunteer in the East St. Charles unit - though one of several women on the Norco ERT - Robicheaux has become both a role model and an advocate for other women considering firefighting. “I joined a brand new family. I have a group of big brothers who have my back.”

“They push me harder than anyone ever has - but in the best way. It’s empowering to have strong willed, brave men encouraging you to be a strong willed, brave woman.”

Although she initially worried she might hold them back, she quickly realized she brings a steady calm and “softness” to a demanding environment, and they bring the strength that sharpens her own. “Firefighting motivates you to be a better person,” she says.

Her passion continues to grow. “It takes time and experience to reach the level of seasoned volunteers, but your fire family pushes you to become the best you can be,” she explains. Like many Norco ERT members who also serve in their community departments, both the company and the parish benefit in return.

“Norco ERT training is intense,” she explains. “We go through incident command, field operations, troubleshooting - it makes us think, work together, and stay sharp.”

Staying physically and mentally prepared is a priority. Robicheaux works out six days a week to ensure she can handle any challenge - from running with 45 pounds or more of protective gear to climbing towers during rescues…or even climbing a tree for a stranded kitten. She’s also sharpening her mental skills, recently earning National Registry certification as an Emergency Medical Responder and currently pursuing EMT training. “An object in motion stays in motion,” she says. “If you stay at rest too long, you stay at rest. I just keep moving.”

When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll find Robicheaux cooking a rich, butter-filled Creole Cajun dish, caring for her more than 50 indoor plants, or enjoying a favorite pastime- entertaining her three-year-old godchild.

“Firefighting motivates you to be a better person. It takes time and experience to reach the level of seasoned volunteers, but your fire family pushes you to become the best you can be,” says Robicheaux