Capt. Russ commemorates and honors Coast Guard legend and friend, Master Chief John "Jack" Downey, a native Rhode Islander, in his book scheduled for publication in July. He notes that his friend was credited with saving more than 700 lives during his forty-two year career in the Coast Guard. 

We talk with  Russ about background as a leader with FEMA in this area,  Kass's initial connection with Russ on several projects., and he shares his perspective about the current status of FEMA.