The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries recently awarded 10 Enforcement Division agents the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Medal of Merit for their actions during a New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. Col. Stephen Clark commended their bravery, stating, "I couldn’t be more proud of this group of agents who in the face of danger ran towards the danger." He added, "Their actions were not simply performed out of duty but out of an unwavering commitment to public safety and the preservation of life," according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
On New Year’s Eve, during the Sugar Bowl festivities, security detail agents responded to an incident on Bourbon Street. The agents involved were Lt. Suni Nelson, Sgt. James Bruce, Sgt. James Smith, Sgt. Carl Armstrong, Sgt. Devin Bryant, Corporal Tib Guillory, and Senior Agents Rebecca Bercegeay, Mason Castello, Christopher Pippin, and John Stansbury. The incident resulted in 14 fatalities and 57 injuries. Later, potential bombs were discovered in the area. The agents’ prompt response helped to manage the situation, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Medal of Merit was awarded for the "conspicuous and intrepid gallantry at the risk of life with full awareness of that risk" displayed by the agents during an incident on a January morning. After neutralizing the threat, the agents assisted the victims and secured the area. Col. Clark stated, "Their fearlessness, professionalism and quick reaction to this heinous situation is highly commendable and they deserve every acknowledgement."
