LDWF agent completes National Emergency Management Program Course

From left to right: Major Chris Carpenter, Lt. Col. Eddie Skena, Capt. Jason Russo, Col. Stephen Clark and Lt. Col. Clay Marques. (Photo courtesy LDWF)

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agent recently completed the National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (NEMAA).

Capt. Jason Russo, a 25-year veteran with the LDWF Enforcement Division, completed NEMAA’s program series consisting of four resident courses that are each four days in duration that are completed during the current Federal fiscal year. He also had to complete a comprehensive Capstone prior to graduation.

“Capt. Russo’s completion of this program is a testament to his dedication to professional development and his commitment to being prepared to lead during complex emergency situations,” said Col. Stephen Clark. “The knowledge and experience he gained through this program will be a valuable asset to our division and to the public.”

The National Emergency Management Advanced Academy (NEMAA) reinforces the qualities needed to lead emergency management programs, provides relevant management theories and concepts, and utilizes real-world complex incident scenarios. NEMAA participants work within a collaborative environment and establish a network of peers.

NEMAA is a part of FEMA’s National Disaster & Emergency Management University (NDEMU). NDEMU brings together emergency management professionals, strategic thinkers, policymakers, academics, and researchers to create a comprehensive training, professional development, and education continuum.

Capt. Russo serves as the LDWF Enforcement Division’s Emergency Services Manager and also as the state’s boating law administrator.