The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is celebrating a first in its history, having just awarded the inaugural Louisiana Boating Educator of the Year Award. Recognized within the department's Enforcement Division during a meeting of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission on Thursday in Baton Rouge, the honor was bestowed upon a seasoned lieutenant who has patrolled the waters and educated the public for over a decade, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Given to an individual recognized for outstanding contributions to boating safety education, Lt. Derek Ware was the recipient of this new accolade, according to an announcement by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Lt. Ware has not only engaged with students and boaters but has also raised awareness and excitement for boating safety through his educational initiatives. Falling below no other in making boating education both relevant and thorough, his passion for the subject is unmistakable.
“Lt. Ware has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to boating safety education,” Col. Stephen Clark, head of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division, praised Lt. Ware in a statement obtained by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Clark lauded his leadership and noted that his "commitment and significant contributions to both formal and outreach boating education make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious award."
Lt. Ware has spent 11 years patrolling the waters of central Louisiana and leading efforts in boating safety education. He taught more in-person courses and certified more people than anyone else in his team. As an instructor for the National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators, he also trained other instructors. He played a key role in the department’s yearly safety campaigns, helped promote safe boating to the public, and mentored new instructors to build their teaching skills, as per the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
