LDWF Agent Completes Federal Maritime Training Program

Baton Rouge, Jul 15, 2026 -

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agent recently completed the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Program (MLETP). This course is organized and delivered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Marine Training Branch.

Corporal Heather Fitzgerald completed her training on June 26 after more than three weeks of training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia.

During this training, state and federal officers receive in class instruction and many hours in vessels concentrating in the areas of advanced maritime law enforcement techniques, navigation and emergency response training. This training covers vessel maintenance, proper use and storage of lines, and other essential safety equipment.

The purpose of this training is for LDWF agents to immediately apply the techniques learned during training to achieve a higher degree of marine law enforcement capabilities.

Corporal Fitzgerald is assigned to southeast Louisiana where she and other agents rely on these advanced skills operating vessels in the remote gulf water, bayous, rivers, lakes and bays. Corporal Fitzgerald is a National Association of State Boating Law Administrator’s Tactical Operator’s Course certified operator, serves as a basic academy duty officer, a recruiting officer, and was the 2024 recipient of the Louisiana Charter Boat Association Enforcement Officer of the Year award.