ODWC Law Enforcement Chief Nathan Erdman presented the Life Saving Award to five game wardens. He said the award goes to 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,” Erdman said.
Awardee actions included rendering first aid to the victims of an accidental gunshot wound and of a car crash, saving a child from drowning, and saving two teenage boys from drowning below Kaw Lake.
Among those honored were 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.
During the monthly meeting, the Commission also accepted a $1,000 donation from the Grand National Quail Club Foundation for a concrete sidewalk at the shotgun range at Packsaddle Wildlife Management Area Shooting Range. Paired with a 9:1 federal matching grant, $10,000 total will be available for the project.
ODWC Shooting Range Coordinator Amanda Thomas said the need for a sidewalk became apparent soon after the shooting range’s opening in 2023, when users reported sand in the area making it difficult to move their trap throwers to the range’s concrete pad.
Shaun Cummings, chairman of the Grand National Quail Club Foundation, thanked the commission for its continuing relationship with the organization.
“We certainly appreciate the encouragement for young people to get involved in shooting sports. They’re the next generation, and we feel that’s a great opportunity for us to invest in,” Cummings said.
In other business, Oklahoma Game Warden Supervisor Lt. Dru Polk, based in McCurtain County, was honored for 25 years of service. A video of the Feb. 3 meeting is available on the Outdoor Oklahoma YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/4hFhoW3.
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate.
The next regular Wildlife Commission meeting is set for March 3, 2025, at the John D. Groendyke Wildlife Conservation Building, 1801 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City.
