N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission News Releases

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 20, 2007) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission welcomes 18 officers into the ranks of the men and women who enforce the fish, game and boating laws and regulations across the state.

All 18 graduated from the Wildlife Enforcement Officer Academy on July 19, marking the culmination of 19 weeks – more than 800 hours – of rigorous and intensive training.

Much of the training and the graduation ceremony took place at the North Carolina Justice Academy in Salemburg. Recruits undergo a demanding basic training that includes instruction in classrooms and in the field. Qualification was required on the firing range, at a pursuit driving course and on the water. Defensive tactics, investigation and communications skills must be mastered and a thorough knowledge of natural resources, including fish and game species, is required.

The Class of 2007 will now undertake six months of on-the-job training under the watchful eye of a field training officer. Upon completion, they will receive their first duty station assignment.

The officers and their hometowns: Jeffrey A. Adkins, Asheville; Jonathon C. Beardsley, Raleigh; Daniel A. Cable, Almond; Steven M. Carpenter, Franklin; Matthew L. Criscoe, Wilmington; Timothy V. Godwin, Newport; Austin L. Hernandez, Robbinsville; Joshua A. Hudson, Catawba; Phillip A. Kemp, Asheville; Robert G. Morris, Hubert; Parks D. Moss, Huntersville; Rodney W. Prince, Charlotte; Richard L. Rains, Fayetteville; Mark A. Ray, Barnardsville; Seth R. Reinhart, Hickory; Levy O. Roberts, Marshall; Ronald D. Swindell, Jr., Scranton; Daniel R. Terrill, Rocky Mount.

During the ceremony, two graduates were honored for outstanding individual performances. Officer Kemp was awarded the Top Gun Award for marksmanship, while Officer Rains received the Achievement Award for highest cumulative grade point average.

Applications for the 2008 Wildlife Enforcement Officer Academy are being accepted through Aug. 30. For more information, go to www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0030. There are no requirements for previous law enforcement certification prior to applying. The next basic training school starts in March 2008.

[Media note: Photos of all 18 graduates will be available in the near future for free download by calling (919) 707-0190. Please credit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.]