Louisiana (UrbanCast: 9/29/2026) – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division received honors at the National Association State Boating Law Administrator’s (NASBLA) annual conference in Knoxville, Tenn. from Sept. 15-17.
At the NASBLA annual conference the LDWF Enforcement Division was acknowledged with the following:
- The Operation Dry Water Media Award
- LDWF Sgt. Austin Arteaga recognized as a NASBLA Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Leadership Academy Graduate
- Sgt. John Miller recognized as the Southern Region Boating Educator of the Year
- Capt. Jason Russo elected as the Vice-Chair of the NASBLA Executive Board.
“These honors are a reflection of the dedication and professionalism our agents and leadership bring to recreational boating safety across Louisiana,” said LDWF Enforcement Division Col. Stephen Clark. “From public outreach and education to leadership at the national level, our team continues to demonstrate its commitment to keeping Louisiana’s waterways safe.”
The LDWF Enforcement Division was honored with the Operation Dry Water Media Award for their outreach efforts during the Operation Dry Water Weekend from July 3-5. Operation Dry Water is a national initiative dedicated to reducing alcohol and drug-related boating incidents and fatalities through education and enforcement.
The LDWF Enforcement Division hosted a press conference on July 2 to announce the Operation Dry Water Weekend with their federal, state and local partners. The LDWF Enforcement Division also participated in numerous media interviews.
Dangers of Boating Under the Influence
The campaign emphasized the dangers of boating under the influence, the importance of sober operation, and the role of LDWF agents in protecting the public during one of the busiest boating periods of the year.
Sgt. Miller’s Southern Region Boating Educator of the Year award represents 20 southern U.S. States and territories and was for his longstanding commitment to boating safety education and public outreach. Sgt. Miller is a 19 year veteran with the LDWF Enforcement Division and oversees boating education classes across 12 parishes in northeastern Louisiana.
Sgt. Arteaga, a 17 year veteran with the LDWF Enforcement Division, completed the NASBLA RBS Leadership Academy in June of 2026. Sgt. Arteaga mainly patrols southeastern Louisiana, is a NASBLA Tactical Operator’s Course instructor and a boating education instructor.
Capt. Russo is a 25 year veteran with the LDWF Enforcement Division and he became Louisiana’s state boating law administrator in 2025. Capt. Russo also serves as LDWF’s Emergency Services Manager. Capt. Russo will serve as Vice-Chairman of the NASBLA Executive Board for at least one year.
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