AUSTIN –Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) graduated the 67th Texas Game Warden and Texas State Parks Police cadet class May 30 at Bannockburn Baptist Church in Austin.
The 28 game wardens and five state park police officers completed eight months of intensive training and will soon begin their assignments at duty stations across the state. Their jobs are unique in the world of law enforcement as their responsibilities extend beyond the pavement.
“Becoming a Texas Game Warden is more than earning a badge–it’s joining a legacy of public service and natural resource protection that has been an integral part of Texas law enforcement since 1895,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, TPWD Law Enforcement Director. “These new officers are ready to uphold that legacy and meet the evolving needs of the communities and wild places they’ll serve.”
As commissioned peace officers, both game wardens and state park police are responsible for enforcing all Texas criminal laws and must enforce the Penal Code, Transportation Code and Health and Safety Codes much like their law enforcement colleagues in neighboring communities. In addition, they respond to all types of emergency situations, assist other law enforcement agencies and work to educate the public about conservation issues.
Texas Game Wardens are the primary enforcement officers focusing on hunting, fishing and water safety regulations and play a critical role in conserving the state’s natural resources.
“This ceremony is a reflection of the commitment and perseverance these cadets have shown through months of rigorous training,” said Major Jason Bussey, Game Warden Training Center. “They’ve earned the title of Texas Game Warden or State Park Police Officer, and we couldn’t be prouder. We’re equally thankful for their families, whose encouragement has made this day possible–and whose support will continue to be essential in the years ahead.”
Texas State Park Police Officers provide law enforcement services within state parks and support public safety efforts in the surrounding communities.
“Our new officers are joining a proud tradition of service within the Texas State Parks system,” said Chief Wes Masur, TPWD State Park Police Chief. “They will play a key role in protecting our parks and serving the millions of visitors who enjoy them each year. I have no doubt they will carry out that mission with professionalism and pride.”
All graduating cadets successfully completed the requirements for the state-mandated basic peace officer course certification, including criminal and constitutional law, firearms, self-defense, use of force, boat operations, swiftwater awareness course, arrest, search and seizure, ethics, first aid and much more.
The new officers completed their training at the Texas Game Warden Training Center in Hamilton and will join the ranks of more than 500 commissioned game wardens and 150 park police officers already serving across the state and will help enforce TPWD regulations and carry the department’s high standard to every corner of the state.
These are the new game wardens and park police, and the counties or parks in which they will be stationed:
67th Cadet Class
Texas Game Wardens
Lilly Baird – Starr County
Raegan Carson – Dallas County
Donald Cosgrove – Jackson County
Joshua De La Cerda – Hudspeth County
Collin Dew – Hardin County
Kalyn Dryman – Brewster and Presidio Counties
Jacob Fleshman – Pecos County
Hector Garcia – Zapata County
Stephanie Gfroerer – Fort Bend County
Joseph Guy – Liberty County
Logan Hammonds – Jefferson County
Brock Hargens – Webb County
Jackson Harris – Terrell County
James Hemphill – Dallas County
Cody Hicks – Brewster and Presidio Counties
Angel Iduarte – Webb County
Darian Kelley – Bailey and Lamb Counties
Andrew Kincaid – Harris County
Macee Krpec – Dimmit County
Allison McGehee – Val Verde County
Wesley Mitchell – Dallas County
Garrett Nutt – Pecos County
Jeremy Reece – Hays County
Jayden Rollins – Castro, Deaf Smith and Parmer Counties
Riley Sheridan – El Paso County
Garrett Stapleton – El Paso County
Mikayla Whitus – Cochran and Hockley Counties
Hunter Witcher – Travis County
Texas State Park Police
Morgan Harbison – Sheldon Lake State Park
Randi Miller – Cedar Hill State Park
Jesse Ogden – Big Bend Ranch State Park
Kyle Vyers – Cedar Hill State Park
Courtney Wright – Brazos Bend State Park