Louisiana Emergency Management Conference 2024 Wraps Up this Week

Jim Williams, Public Private Partnership Officer with the LABEOC attended the annual conference held last week in Lake Charles. The event is hosted by the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association and the LA Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness(GOHSEP).

The newly appointed Director, Jacques Thibodeaux (pictured left), presented the accomplishments of GOHSEP leadership within their first 100 days in office and also shared their plan for the next 180 days. Thibodeaux was enthusiastic as always and showcased his commitment to serving the citizens of the state by simplifying certain processes at GOHSEP to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Speakers included FEMA Region 6 Administrator,  Tony Robinson and Deputy Commissioner, Nathan Strebeck from the Louisiana Department of Insurance. Strebeck spoke about some of the changes the department is making to protect citizens and help increase competitiveness in the industry for the benefit of the citizens.

There were candid discussions about the 2023 wildfires in the western parishes of the state, the challenges facing the Greater New Orleans area due to the saltwater intrusion of the Mississippi River, and one of the most devastating motor vehicle accidents in recent memory, the “super fog” accident along I55 and the challenges that first responders had associated with it.

During a recent meeting, Director Thibodeaux highlighted the significance of the safe school initiative, which is one of the most important areas that GOHSEP can influence. The Louisiana Center for Safe Schools is committed to providing school communities and safety partners with valuable information and resources that help identify and promote effective strategies, practices, and programs that support safe schools for all students while ensuring that it aligns with the academic mission.

Williams enjoys the breakout sessions that delve deep into past events with honest reflection and plans to improve in the future. Great job on the conference! It is one of the best around!

The Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association (LEPA) is a non-profit statewide organization of emergency preparedness and response practitioners with the common goal of improving public safety in emergencies. LEPA was formed in 1980 by a group of local civil defense directors who recognized the need to expand and incorporate personnel in emergency service organizations into a cohesive and productive association.