Wildlife Officers—Saving Lives Between Enforcement Duties

The money we spend on hunting licenses, permits and other fees does more than just ensure future generations can also enjoy this great nation’s wildlife resources. It helps save lives, thanks to game wardens and other staff eager to harness their outdoor knowledge and skills whenever needed. 

The heroic actions of five conservation officers in the Sooner State in 2024, for example, were recognized earlier this month when they were presented with Life Saving Awards. The honor goes to the department’s law enforcement employees who render service beyond the normal course of duty to protect someone’s life.

“These wardens here today have all gone above and beyond, and most of them have put their life on the line to help somebody else,” said Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) Law Enforcement Chief Nathan Erdman. Awardee actions included rendering first aid to the victims of an accidental gunshot wound, helping a car crash victim, and saving a child and two teenage boys from drowning.

Recipients included: Zane Arnold, based in Johnston County; Spencer Grace, based in Kay County; Larry Green, based in Osage County; Cody Jones, based in Bryan County; and Josey Branch, based in Payne County. All their patrol areas are in Oklahoma.

More Recently

Late at night on Feb. 5, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers responded to a call for two hikers off trail near the summit of Grace Peak. At midnight, with temperatures falling below zero, they located the subjects—a 76- and 57-year-old—and escorted them safely back to their vehicle.

Three days later another pair of Forest Rangers were dispatched to an unresponsive hiker on a remote trail. They assisted in packing the 67-year-old our in a litter, who was then transferred to an ambulance just after midnight and rushed to a hospital.

“From wildfires, to floods, to search and rescue operations, whenever emergencies strike, DEC’s Forest Rangers are always the first to jump into action,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said.“I commend our Rangers for their heroic work to keep New Yorkers and our visitors safe in some of the most adverse conditions in the world, and for leading the state’s response to emergency situations. Their efforts to inspire the next generation of safe and responsible outdoor enthusiasts are instrumental in DEC’s efforts to support the outdoor recreation economy…”