Texas Welcomes 33 New Game Wardens And Park Police Officers

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TRWD) graduated the 67th Texas Game Warden and Texas State Parks Police cadet class on May 30 in Austin.

The 28 game wardens and five state park police officers completed eight months of rigorous training and will soon begin their assignments at duty stations across the state.

The Many Responsibilities of a Texas Game Warden

“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.

READ MORE: Angelina College Graduates 12 Cadets From Law Enforcement Academy

As commissioned peace officers, both game wardens and state park police are responsible for enforcing all Texas criminal laws. They 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 emergencies, assist other law enforcement agencies, and work to educate the public about conservation issues.

Texas Game Wardens are the primary enforcement officers responsible for enforcing hunting, fishing, and water safety regulations, and they play a critical role in conserving the state’s natural resources.

What Are The Duties of a Texas State Park Police Officer?

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."

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.

Let's take a look at the list of the new game wardens and park police, and the counties or parks in which they will be stationed.

67^th 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

67^th Cadet Class: 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