NASBLA Names Louisiana’s Sgt. John Miller 2026 Southern Region Educator of the Year
Miller’s impact was perhaps best demonstrated during an emergency incident at Bussy Brake Wildlife Management Area in August 2025. After an elderly boater suffered multiple wasp stings and injuries from a fall aboard his vessel, the man’s 10-year-old grandson safely operated the vessel back to the launch ramp so emergency medical treatment could be provided.
The child later credited Miller’s boating education course with giving him the confidence and skills necessary to respond during the life-threatening situation.
A Wildlife Enforcement Agent since 2007, Miller has spent the past 14 years serving as the lead boating education instructor for his region. During that time, he has certified more boating safety students than any other agent in the area, helping educate generations of Louisiana boaters on safe and responsible operation.
As Regional Coordinator, Miller oversees boating education initiatives across 12 parishes in northeastern Louisiana. In addition to classroom instruction, he regularly organizes and participates in public outreach events designed to educate boaters and families about water safety, including Boating Safety Lagniappe Day and regional Kids Day programs.
Miller also works closely with partner agencies to strengthen boating safety education throughout Louisiana. He provides instruction to personnel with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and the Louisiana Department of State Parks and Tourism, helping promote a consistent standard of boating safety education across state agencies.
Through education, outreach and public service, Miller continues to make a lasting impact on recreational boating safety throughout Louisiana and the Southern Region.
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