NASBLA names the 2023 Southern Region Officer of the Year
Lieutenant Jason Russo, of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), has been named the 2023 NASBLA Southern Region Officer of the Year.
With an impressive 21-year career in a coastal district, Lieutenant Russo has demonstrated continuous dedication to enforcing boating safety laws and educating the public. As a seasoned boating safety instructor for over 18 years, Lt. Russo continuously exhibits a genuine passion for educating individuals on safe boating practices. His extensive training includes successful completion of the FLETC Marine Patrol Officer's course, FLETC Marine Law Enforcement Training Program, NASBLA's Level I Boating Incident Investigation (BII) course, NASBLA's Level II BII Reconstruction course, and he serves as an instructor for NASBLA’s Level I BII course and it’s Officer Water Survival course.
Additionally, Lt. Russo proudly represents Louisiana, but his expertise and counsel are also sought by officers nationwide. Throughout his entire career, Lt. Russo has tirelessly enforced boating laws on the water, ensuring the safety of the boating public in his district. He consistently demonstrates fairness and discretion in his interactions with the public, enforcing the law equitably and effectively.
As a true leader, Lt. Russo has inspired his fellow agents to adopt a similar passion for boating safety, resulting in his district producing four "Boating Officers of the Year'' in the past six years. Lt. Russo's exceptional leadership and mentorship have played a vital role in cultivating a team of dedicated professionals who share his commitment to ensuring the safety of the boating public.
Lt. Russo's contributions to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries extends beyond his enforcement duties. He maintains a professional work demeanor, appearance, and personal commitment to promoting safe boating practices.
Lt. Russo's unwavering commitment to enforcing boating safety laws and his extensive expertise in the field have earned him this well-deserved recognition. His extensive experience, leadership, and dedication serve as an inspiration to his colleagues and the boating community at large. Congratulations, Lieutenant Jason Russo!
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First presented in 2000, the Marvin “Butch” Potts Memorial Award, known as the Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award, is presented annually to the boating law enforcement officer who has made outstanding contributions to the field of boating law enforcement. The award program consists of three levels: state, regional and national.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, publications and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, we affect the lives of nearly 85 million American boaters.