After approximately eight months of intense training, the 67th Texas Game Warden cadet class have begun moving into their assigned duty stations. The wardens started their first official duty day on Tuesday June 17th.
The three new wardens and their assigned duty stations are:
• DARIAN KELLEY Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from West Texas A&M University
Hometown: Amarillo, TX Duty station: Bailey and Lamb Counties
What are you looking forward to most: “ Having a job where I can work primarily outside and protect the natural resources of the State of Texas.”
• MATTHEWROLLINS Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from West Texas A&M University Hometown: Amarillo, TX Duty Station: Castro, Deaf Smith and Parmer Counties What are you looking forward to most: “Working outdoors protecting the natural resources and serving the people of Texas. Becoming involved and interacting with the community.”
• MIKAYLAWHITUS Education: Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Texas Tech University. Master’s degree in businesses administration from Texas A&M- Corpus Christi
Hometown: Burnet, TX Duty station: Cochran and Hockley Counties
What are you looking forward to most: “I am looking forward to being outside! Getting involved and interacting in my new communities as well as educating the public on the importance of Texan history in fishing and hunting.”
As commissioned peace officers, game wardens 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.
All graduating cadets successfully completed the requirements for the state- mandated basic peace officer course certification, including criminal and constitutional law, firearms, selfdefense, use of force, boat operations, swiftwater awareness course, arrest, search and seizure, ethics, first aid and much more.
The new Wardens are joining more than 500 Game Wardens currently in the field and will help enforce TPWD regulations and carry the department’s high standards to every corner of the state.