The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Division has sworn in 18 new wildlife law enforcement officers graduating from the agency’s 60th Basic Academy training.
The graduating officers are:
- Garrett L. Brown - Sault Ste Marie, MI
- Vincent G. Capano - Salem, MA
- Tyler H. Clark - Hertford, NC
- Joshua C.D. Collins - Marion, NC
- Adam L. Congdon - Little Falls, NY
- Justin C. Eckart - Cooleemee, NC
- Noah K. Gonser - Grand Blanc, MI
- Joshua C. Goodman - West Jefferson, NC
- Walter E. Hill - Macclesfield, NC
- Zachary A. Jurkovski - Big Lake, MN
- Austin J. Keever - Leicester, NC
- Hannah C. Kerrigan - Monmouth, MA
- Austin R. Lear - Salisbury, NC
- Chandler J. McClamrock - Salisbury, NC
- Jonathan B. McLawhorn - Vanceboro, NC
- Jonathan T. Montague - Midland, NC
- John C. Schlegel - Lexington, KY
- Brett L. Shreve - Pleasant Garden, NC
To graduate, recruits are required to complete conservation-specific training on fish and wildlife laws, motorboat accident investigation and protected species training. Instruction covers statutory and investigation procedures, defensive tactics, fish and game laws, and pursuit driving and boating. It’s 7 ½ months of rigorous training that includes N.C. standard basic law enforcement training with 1,110+ hours of classroom and practical exercise. Recruits receive instruction on a wide range of laws from general crime, traffic offense, ABC/drug law, juvenile law, as well as hunting, fishing, boating, and trapping laws. They also receive training in practical exercises such as drivers training, firearms, subject control/arrest techniques, conducting traffic stops, patrol techniques, and game warden tactics.
All wildlife law enforcement officer trainees are required to pass an extensive background, psychological and physical screening before entering an intensive accredited academy conducted by the Law Enforcement Division. Training is held at the N.C. Department of Public Safety Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs.