NEW ORLEANS — Today, Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the hiring of Col. Terry Ebbert, USMC Ret., as the City's new Director of Public Safety and Homeland Security. In this role, Colonel Ebbert will oversee multiple public safety entities including the City's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD). In addition to that, Colonel Ebbert will lead the coordination of the City's widespread 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 Colonel 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.
Colonel Ebbert is no stranger to city government and responding to disaster. He 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. He has been a leader for multiple public safety agencies, including police, fire, Emergency Medical Services, emergency preparedness and criminal justice organizations.
Colonel Ebbert has served as Director of the New Orleans Police Foundation, Director of Security for the National Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Director of Security and Emergency Management for the Department of Energy National Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
