New Game Warden Graduates Get Special Recognition at Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy | New

Three new game wardens from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department were recently honored for their outstanding performance in the basic peace officer course at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas.

Game wardens Elise Huysman, Gavin Dougherty and Jesse Niemeir completed the 14-week course July 28 with a number of special accolades.

Huysman received the Graduate Honor Award, which is the the highest honor awarded to an officer while completing the Basic Peace Officer Course. Huysman was selected by the teaching staff of the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, which honors one officer from each class for superior performance in all phases of training and who exhibited all of the essential qualities and attributes of a peace officer. professional. Originally from Connecticut, Warden Huysman will be stationed in the Laramie area.

Dougherty was recognized for his firearms proficiency, posting perfect scores in pistol and rifle classes. He was one of four students nominated for the Graduate Honors Award. Dougherty also received the highest academic award for achieving the highest cumulative score in all written exams given during the course. Originally from New Jersey, Warden Dougherty will be stationed in the Green River area.

Niemeir received the fitness award for achieving the highest cumulative score in the final fitness evaluation. Originally from Montana, Warden Niemeir will be stationed in the Laramie region.

“Elise, Gavin and Jesse’s performance at the academy is commendable,” Chief Game Warden Rick King said. “We are proud to have them join the ministry’s wildlife enforcement team. This is the caliber of people we strive to recruit at Game and Fish to serve the public and protect Wyoming wildlife.

It is a requirement that all game wardens attend the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy for training. The basic peace officer course consists of 605 hours of instruction on topics such as constitutional law, search and seizure, emergency vehicle operation, custody and control, and firearms. After graduating from the academy, keepers undergo additional Game and Fish training.

Game and Fish recruits new Guardians each year and will begin accepting applications this year on October 1.

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree – or will graduate by June 1, 2023 – in wildlife management, range management, biology, zoology, ichthyology or other closely related fields. Other bachelor’s degrees may be considered with at least 20 hours of wildlife-related coursework detailed on transcripts.