After close to 25 years of service to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Enforcement Division Colonel Rachel Zechenelly has announced her retirement.

Col. Zechenelly’s effective retirement date is May 24.

“For nearly 25 years Colonel Rachel Zechenelly has nobly served the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries — even making history as the department’s first female colonel. Sharon and I congratulate Colonel Zechenelly on her well-deserved retirement. Her vast experience and leadership will be missed by many,” said Governor Jeff Landry.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked with first female Colonel serving the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Col. Zechenelly has brought extensive experience and made many impactful changes during her close to 25 years of service,” said LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan. “We at LDWF wish the Colonel all the best in her well-earned retirement and hope she enjoys quality time with her family. She has served the state with pride and served it well.”

The path to becoming the first female Colonel to serve LDWF began when Zechenelly started as a cadet in Class 13 and graduated from the LDWF Training Academy in 1999. Upon graduating from the academy, Col. Zechenelly served as a field agent in the state’s southeast region before being promoted to Headquarters’ staff in 2005.

Col. Zechenelly was a critical component in implementing the state’s safe boating education program in its infancy. She was also named the state’s boating law administrator and assisted in writing several safe boating law changes.  During her time, Zechenelly has served on both the administrative and patrol sides of the Enforcement Division.  She has been in charge of the Enforcement Division’s budget, training, safe boating program, recruiting, communications and emergency services.  She has also supervised four different patrol regions across the state.

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For press inquiries please contact Communications Director, Taylor Brazan, tbrazan@wlf.la.gov or 225-765-3970