On September 15^th, 2006 two senior leaders in the Caddo Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management CBOHSEP) received notification that the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association (LEPA) had granted them a unique five year qualification as Certified Louisiana Emergency Mangers (LEM). Receiving this important emergency management credentials is Mr. Sandy Davis the Director and Mr. Robert Jump Director of Administration. According to Gene Barattini, the Operations & Logistics Officer, having certified Louisiana Emergency Manager (LEMs) on the Caddo-Bossier Homeland Security staff is a validation of the years of emergency response expertise now in the ranks of the agency. Between Mr. Davis and Mr. Jump there is over 38 years of  first responder leadership &  technical experience in areas of firefighting, EMS operations, disaster planning, and homeland security operations.  Barattini further states “It is our department’s goal that every emergency planner in our agency becomes LEM qualified by 2007.” To that end CBOHSEP is over 75% complete this goal with this three of four higher-ranking staff members now LEM qualified and the remaining senior officer’s LEM accreditation packet is at the LEPA board for review