The California Department of Fish and Wildlife welcomed 31 new Wildlife Officers into it’s ranks on Friday August 9th.  CDFW Wildlife Officers are tasked with the monumental job of protecting the natural resources of the State of California, and enforcing the laws that make sure Californian’s will have sustainable populations of fish and wildlife for future generations.

During the graduating ceremonies, NWTF District Biologist, Kevin Vella, spoke about the high regard that the NWTF holds for Wildlife Officers.  “The mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey, and the preservation of our hunting heritage.  Without our nation’s dedicated Wildlife Officers, neither one of the facets of that mission would be possible.”  Vella also presented an award on behalf of the NWTF to one outstanding cadet that scored the highest overall for in the category of Defensive Tactics.  “It is such an honor for the National Wild Turkey Federation to present an award in a category that helps lead to the safety and preservation of officer lives.  We are proud to present this years Golden Handcuff Award to Officer Justin Demianew.”

These new officers are now transitioning into their Field Training Programs where they will be training with veteran officers for the next three months, putting their newly acquired knowledge and skills to work, protecting the natural resources of the State of California.