July 22, 2008

Salemburg, N.C. – On Thursday, July 24, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will welcome 15 new wildlife officers into the ranks of law enforcement, with a mission to protect and serve the citizens and natural resources of the state.

Upon graduation from the North Carolina Justice Academy, they will join the men and women who enforce the fish, game and boating laws and regulations. The Class of 2008 will then undertake six months of on-the-job training under the watchful eye of a field training officer. Upon completion of field duty, they will receive their permanent duty station assignment.

The officers and their hometowns:

• Jeffrey James Bachman, Orrum, N.C.
• Benjamin Claude Smith, Thomasville, N.C.
• Tyler Dobbins Brown, Boonville, N.C.
• Benjamin Spaulding, Clarkton, N.C.
• Charles Brandon Garrison, Linwood, N.C.
• Myron Scott Strickland, Fayetteville, N.C.
• Isaac Richard Hannah, Canton, N.C. Aaron
• James Stronach, Linville, N.C.
• James Christopher Harris, Forest City, N.C.
• William Harry Tarplee III, New Bern, N.C.
• William Wade Laton, Albemarle, N.C.
• Nathan Ray Williams, Ronda, N.C.
• David Jackson Midyette, Engelhard, N.C.
• David Justin Woods, Stoneville, N.C.
• Jonathan Gray Morgan, Asheville, N.C.
  
  
  

Recruits undergo a demanding basic training of 19 weeks – more than 800 hours – of rigorous and intensive training. Qualification is required on the firing range, on a pursuit driving course and upon water. Defensive tactics, investigation and communications skills must be mastered and a thorough knowledge of natural resources, including fish and game species, must be demonstrated.