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CSPA congratulates the new graduates, boy do California's fisheries need them!

Game Warden Force Increases With 28 New Graduates: Graduation Ceremony Aug. 27 in Paradise, Calif.

California’s game warden force will increase on Aug. 27 as cadets graduate from the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Warden Academy.

The new DFG wardens will serve as the “thin green line” that defends the state’s natural resources and wildlife. The class of 28 features 24 DFG warden cadets (sponsored by DFG and already hired as wardens pending their passing the academy) and four“self-sponsored” (individuals who paid their way through the academy with the hope of becoming game wardens once their training is complete) cadets. The graduation ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. at the Paradise Performing Arts Center in Paradise, Calif.

“These cadets have earned the right to protect California, its people and the valuable fish and wildlife resources here,”said DFG Chief of Enforcement Nancy Foley. “They will work along side some of the most dedicated and highly trained law enforcement officers in the state.”

DFG Academy Coordinator Lt. John Lawson applauded the cadets on their successful completion of work.

“Game wardens ensure the future of wildlife resources for the people of California through responsible enforcement of laws, regulations and rules,” said Lt. Lawson. “They ensure public safety, keep the homeland secure, respond during natural disasters, investigate illegal commercialization of wildlife, protect the state from pollution and enforce habitat protection laws.”

Wardens often work alone and in remote areas that do not allow for immediate backup protection. Annually, wardens make contact with more than 295,000 people and issue more than 15,000 citations.

In California, with 159,000 square miles of area that offers habitat and wildlife diversity unequaled by any other state, the average warden has a patrol district of more than 600 square miles. The state has more than 1,100 miles of coastline, 30,000 miles of rivers and streams, 4,800 lakes and reservoirs, three desert habitat areas, and scores of high mountain peaks.

The warden often acts as arbitrator for issues involving conflicts between wildlife and people. They recommend recreational activities and serve as educators to the public by speaking to schools, service groups and media.

DFG teamed with Butte College in 2007 to provide peace officer training for prospective wardens. This new partnership secured an academy facility and a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified training program for warden cadets on the college’s Oroville campus. While DFG had a Resources Academy in Napa and a cooperative academy with California State Parks and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, this academy is the first Fish and Game-only academy certified by POST. Butte College has a 39-year history of police recruit training and has trained more than 5,000 students through its law enforcement academy. The 928-acre campus, the largest in California, is also a designated wildlife refuge.

Graduating DFG cadets include (name, hometown):

1. Jorge Paz, Santa Paula
2. Donald Nelson, Huntington Beach
3. Demitri Esquivel, Fort Bragg
4. Jacob Coombs, Ventura
5. Brian Huber, San Luis Obispo
6. Adam Cahn, San Jose
7. Daniel Lengning, Palmdale
8. Rick Bellis, Rancho Santa Margarita
9. Lance Sheeley, Sacramento
10. James Baugus, Modesto
11. Sean Kenady, Pleasant Hill
12. Lyle Chan, Sacramento
13. Jason Green, Brawley
14. Nicole Claro, Dunsmuir
15. Mike Cormier, Monterey
16. Tiffany Wolvek, Jenner
17. Josh Zulliger, Eureka
18. Leah Marshall, Cobb
19. Mike Oram, Ione
20. Joel Hendricks, Monterey
21. Erica Hacche, Grass Valley
22. Chris A. Stoots Jr., Wheatland
23. Todd Estrada, Pacifica
24. Fred Turra, Danville

Graduating self-sponsored cadets include (name, hometown):

1. William Witzel, Elk Grove
2. Brandon Owen, Elk Grove
3. Michael Beals, Downieville
4. Steve Martignoni, Chico