It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our colleague and friend, Joseph Russo Jr., on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

Born in New Orleans on August 25, 1956, Joe was a respected business owner and cherished member of the professional community. Known for his integrity, warmth, and dedication, Joe’s influence extended beyond his work—he was a true gentleman whose kindness and humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Theresa Gaudin Russo, his three daughters, their spouses, four grandchildren, his brother, and a wide circle of extended family and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph John Russo Sr. and Alma Joan Gallicio.

Outside of work, Joe was passionate about food, family, and baseball—particularly his beloved New York Yankees. His weekends were filled with family, laughter, sports, and storytelling. He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and a life well-lived.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Jane De Chantal Catholic Church in Abita Springs, LA, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson’s research.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Russo family during this time. Joe will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

The Louisiana Life Safety and Security Association (LLSSA) is proud to announce the resounding success of its 2025 Dealer Conference, held April 9–10 in historic Natchitoches, Louisiana. With more than 150 professionals in attendance and participation from 30 leading vendors, this year’s event was a vibrant gathering of security, fire, access control, and low-voltage industry experts.

Attendees took part in a full slate of educational sessions designed to support both business growth and technical excellence. The Business Track featured presentations on building a profitable company, interpreting financial reports, managing projects efficiently, and winning the talent race. Industry leaders such as Ben Adams of FieldSIM, Vianka Miranda of Northwestern State University, Karen Carey, and Ryan Sutton of Pillar & Compass delivered valuable insights tailored for owners and managers.

The Technical Track was equally robust, with courses including hands-on IQ Pro training from Rusty Rumley of JCI/Qolsys, a locksmith roundtable sponsored by NASTF, generational communication by Alarm Monitoring Services, and sessions on gate safety, video monitoring, and recurring revenue strategies. Presenters included Garrett St. Germain (American Fence Association), Felipe Presas (United Central Control), and Karen Shall (Napco), among others.

Those in the Fire Track benefitted from in-depth instruction on NFPA referenced standards and detector testing requirements, along with a comprehensive Fire Marshal Administrative Rules class provided by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The conference also featured several key guest speakers: representatives from the Louisiana Department of Revenue’s Sales Tax Division, the Natchitoches Sheriff’s Office, and the Natchitoches 911 Center. Their presentations offered vital updates and fostered stronger ties between public safety agencies and the life safety industry.

With eight hours of continuing education offered across all tracks, a lively welcome reception, and an engaging tradeshow floor, the LLSSA 2025 Dealer Conference delivered exceptional value for professionals across Louisiana and beyond. The association extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, speakers, vendors, and attendees who helped make this event a success.

For more information about future LLSSA events and educational opportunities, visit www.llssa.org.

DATE: April 9, 2025
TO: Property Protection Contracting and Pyrotechnic Industry
FROM: David McClintock – Director of Licensing
APPROVED:4
RE: Criminal Background Checks for Licensure

The Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) Special Services Section is amending the process and procedures regarding criminal background checks pursuant to RS 40:1664.8 for applicants seeking licensure for a property protection endorsement. This memorandum replaces, in its entirety, those procedures established in Licensing Memorandum 6-2024.

Effective 04/09/2025 the OSFM will continue to conduct background checks through IndentoGo subject to the following:

The OSFM will authorize applicants, through the respective firm, to initiate the background process once the application packet is complete.

Application Packet
Firms must submit the complete application packet to the Licensing Division, through the Information Management System (IMS), for each individual applicant. To be considered complete, the application packet shall:
? A completed individual application, to include the applicant’s signature.
? A photo of the applicant’s driver’s license or other acceptable form of government identification.
? A photo of the individual (not the image on the driver’s license).
? All appropriate certifications required for the endorsement sought.

Approval to Proceed with Criminal Background Check
Firms may only direct the applicant to begin their criminal background check after approval from OSFM has been received. All OSFM approvals will be:
? Forwarded by the OSFM Licensing Division through the IMS email system.
? Will include the individual applicants name, and
? That the firm is has the approval to “proceed” with the criminal background check.

Revised Individual Application
The Employee Application is being modified to incorporate the existing language into a clear acknowledgement/waiver for signature by those applicants seeking a property protection endorsement. The new application is available for download on the OSFM website and is identified as the LSPP Individual – Employee Application.
We appreciate the support of the industry as we continually work to ensure our property protection licensure program is efficient and effective. Questions may be directed to David McClintock at 225-406-8068 or via email, at david.mcclintock@la.gov, or Ms.
Theresa Powell at 225-925-6513.

Click here to go to OSFM-Information Management System

IT Group
8181 Independence Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Customer Service: (225) 925-4911 / Fax: (225) 925-4241

Marlene Aucoin wanted to let you know that several LSPP Board members have expired and will soon expire. Specifically, they include the following seats:

1. Associate Industry

2. Conveyance Devices

3. Door Hardware

4. Fire Alarm

5. Fire Extinguishers

6. Fire Sprinklers

7. Hydrostatic Testing’s

8. Locksmith

9. Security

The LSPP Board is important to what we all do. You may submit nominees to the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions.  

Marlene Aucoin, Administrative Program Specialist

Office: 225-925-3935

marlene.aucoin@la.gov

Effective Immediately

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is pausing its authorization permitting firms to initiate criminal background checks pursuant to RS 40:1664.8 for applicants seeking licensure for a property protection endorsement.

The OSFM Licensing Section is in the process of adjusting our procedures regarding the criminal history background checks and intends to issue a licensing memorandum with a revised process on or about Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Until such time as the licensing memorandum is issued all firms are directed not to authorize and/or direct applicants to utilize the IdentoGo processing system for any OSFM criminal background check.

We will continue to conduct background checks through IdentoGo and appreciate your understanding and patience as we strive to ensure the highest quality service.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Marlene Aucoin, David McClintock or Theresa Raborn at (225) 925-4911.

Thank you

Click here to go to OSFM-Information Management System

IT Group

8181 Independence Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Customer Service: (225) 925-4911 / Fax: (225) 925-4241

When working on a property with a fence or motorized gate, security technicians have an important role in improving both protection and safety. Before beginning any system install or service, take time to evaluate the gate’s condition. It should open and close smoothly, without dragging or resistance, and the motor should be in good shape with a stable power supply, including a functioning backup if one is present.

Safety features are critical. Make sure sensors, loops, and auto-reverse functions are working properly, and that the manual release is accessible and operable in case of an emergency. Structurally, hinges, rollers, and locks should be solid and free of excessive wear or corrosion. The fence itself should be secure, with no gaps or weak points that would compromise the perimeter.

If possible, integrate the gate’s open/close status into the alarm system and confirm that any access control—keypads, cards, or mobile systems—works seamlessly with the gate. For high-risk or remote sites, remote monitoring and control are ideal.

Importantly, even if the gate appears to be functioning well, encourage the property owner to contact their original fence or gate installer—or a qualified specialist—for a detailed inspection or service call. Regular maintenance by a professional can prevent failures and increase long-term safety.

Before finishing the job, take a moment to walk the client through basic gate operation and safety tips. A functioning gate isn’t just a convenience—it’s a vital part of the site’s security. Taking time to assess and advise on its condition can prevent major issues down the line.

The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Cunningham from Southern Strategy Group as our new lobbyist. Kevin brings a wealth of experience in governmental relations and lobbying, having been recognized with the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding representation over more than two decades.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Joe and Sandy Mapes of Mapes & Mapes, who have served as LLSSA’s lobbyists for the past 25 years. Their dedication and effective advocacy have been instrumental in representing our association’s interests throughout their tenure.

As we welcome Kevin Cunningham into this role, we look forward to his expertise in navigating Louisiana’s political landscape to further advance the mission of LLSSA. Southern Strategy Group, where Kevin is a key member, is renowned for its deep understanding of the state’s unique issues and philosophies, making them a valuable asset to our association.

We are confident that this transition will continue to strengthen our governmental and industry representation, ensuring that LLSSA remains at the forefront of advocacy for the life safety and security industry in Louisiana.