From a press release
Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced on Thursday (June 7) the hiring of Col. Terry Ebbert, USMC Ret., as the City’s new Director of Public Safety and Homeland Security. Col. Ebbert will oversee multiple public safety entities including the City’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD). Ebbert will lead coordinate the City’s public safety response during a major event.
“Public safety is a top priority in the City of New Orleans. Based on the knowledge, experience and expertise of Col. Ebbert, there is no doubt in my mind that he is the right person at the right time to help move our city forward from a public safety standpoint,” said Mayor Cantrell.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to have been selected by the Mayor for this vital public safety position. I intend to call on my past experience with local, state and federal agencies and their leadership to provide the City of New Orleans with plans, procedures and trained organizations prepared to manage all public safety challenges for New Orleans. I want to promise the citizens of New Orleans that I will do everything within my skill set to earn their trust and respect,” said Colonel Ebbert.
Col. Ebbert served as director of Homeland Security for the City of New Orleans from 2003 to 2008. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, he served as the “Incident Commander” and coordinated all local, state and federal response for New Orleans.
