The Team

Founders & Board

The Texas LODD Task Force is guided by a working Board of Directors and strategic advisors. We rely on this group of people with a diverse background to help guide us through making the most of our mission. They are resources and advocates so that the Texas LODD Task Force can make the largest impact for everyone who’s ever been and ever will be touched by a line of duty death or injury.

Wendy Norris

Founder / President

Anthony Di Giovanni

Peer Support Lead

Chief Billy Wusterhausen

State Response Commander/Benefits Specialist

Rita Wusterhausen

Benefits Coordinator

Rhonda Chapman

Family Care Coordinator

Kris Hester

Logistics Commander

(Ret) Chief Pat Ekiss - Texas LODD Task Force

Chief Pat Ekiss (Ret)

State Response Commander

Ryan Grelle

Law Enforcement Liaison

Matt Whisenant

State Honor Guard Commander

Lisa Whisenant

Volunteer Care Coordinator

(Ret) Chief Lealand Raiford - Texas LODD Task Force

Chief Lealand Raiford (Ret)

State Response Commander

(Ret) Chief John Babler - Texas LODD Task Force

Chief John Babler (Ret)

State Response Commander

Response Commanders

Response Commanders oversee the entire line of duty death response and ensures that the operations run smoothly, manages resources, directs team members, and provides support to the officers of the effected agency. Our Response Commanders are experienced at working with law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies because they work in these fields.

Keith Smith

Joe Yeakley

James Wathan

Bradley Matthys

Scott Marion

Ed Tydings

Jeff Ballew

Chris Young

Chris Pechacek

Regional Honor Guard Commanders

State Honor Guard Commanders support the Regional Honor Guard Commanders and local honor guard teams. They assist with funeral and memorial planning and oversee State honor guard resources.