NASBLA Names Lt. Jason Russo the 2023 National Boating Officer of the Year
During its 64th Annual Meeting, held in Denver, Colorado, Sept. 19 – 22, 2023, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) presented its prestigious National Boating Officer of the Year award to Lieutenant Jason Russo with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
The National Boating Officer of the Year award recognizes a law enforcement officer who has made an outstanding contribution to boating safety through enforcement and has performed an outstanding service to the agency or state in any facet of recreational boating safety.
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 course, NASBLA's Level II Boating Incident Investigation 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.
Lt. Russo's dedication 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.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators congratulates Lieutenant Jason Russo on receiving the National Boating Officer of the Year award in recognition of his dedication, commitment, and influence on recreational boating safety. To learn more about NASBLA's awards program visit www.nasbla.org/awards.
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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.