Warden, a black lab from Sussex County, is the newest “agent” working for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Enforcement Section. Warden, along with Enforcement Agent Casey Zolper, are part of DNREC’s first-ever Canine Program. Both man and dog are currently in training in Florida.

“We are very excited about our new canine program,” said James Graybeal, Chief of Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement. “We can’t wait for Casey and Warden’s return, so their newly acquired skills can be used in the field to protect our state’s natural resources.”

After learning about canine programs in other states, Agent Zolper did some research, and then volunteered to take an intensive 400-hour, 10-week training course required to start the program in Delaware. The training is conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which hosts the premier resource enforcement K-9 unit in the country. The Commission provides training for K-9 programs in numerous states. Maryland currently has two officers and dogs in training with Agent Zolper and Warden. The training, which is voice-command and praise-focused, is certified by the United States Police Canine Association.

Unlike traditional police canine units, Warden will be trained specifically to meet the needs of the Enforcement Section of DNREC’s Fish and Wildlife Division. He will be trained in tracking, evidence recovery and wildlife detection. In addition to helping agents in search and rescue operations, Warden will be able to track people and wildlife, including doves, turkeys, ducks, deer, fish and shellfish. He will also be able to sniff out evidence, such as discarded firearms and shotgun shells.

“Warden’s training is scent-specific. If you hold up an article of clothing from, say, a child lost or missing in a park, that’s what he’ll track, and what he will find,” Agent Zolper said, adding, “He can dig up over-limit game that someone’s buried, or illegal or discarded guns and ammunition. Just seeing Warden will be a great deterrent.”

Agent Zolper and Warden, who will be permanent partners, will be employed statewide. “We hope we can expand the program in the future,” Agent Zolper said.

Funding for the Canine Program was provided completely by donations from private organizations. These include Bill Wolter’s Owens Station, the Dewey Beach Lions Club, and The National Turkey Federation, which recently presented a $500 check to Chief Graybeal.

Warden is a 16-month-old male black lab, who was donated to DNREC’s Enforcement Section by Wolter, founder of Owens Station, a hunting preserve in Sussex County that features some of the region’s best hunting dog stock. Wolter has been a dog trainer and hunter for more than 40 years.

“We appreciate the donations from Bill Wolter, the Dewey Beach Lions Club and The National Turkey Federation,” added Graybeal. “Without their support, this program would not exist.”

MEDIA: Photos are available electronically on request. Interviews with Warden and Agent Zolper also may be arranged following completion of their training.