The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement Division swore in 18 new wildlife law enforcement officers at a graduation ceremony held July 20.

The ceremony celebrated the 57th Basic School graduating class of the Wildlife Commission. Each new officer took an oath to enforce criminal laws, including conservation and boating laws, and to faithfully and impartially execute the duties of a law enforcement officer in North Carolina.

After graduation, each new wildlife officer will begin six months of on-the-job training under the supervision of a veteran wildlife officer. Upon completion of field training, each officer will be assigned a permanent duty station.

The graduating officers are:

Tyler Barber of Granite Falls, N.C.

Kristofer Blankenship of Albemarle, N.C.

Jacob Bosley of Friendsville, Md.

Sarah Campbell of Thomasville, N.C.

Aaron Carter of Lumberton, N.C.

Joshua Doshen of Currituck, N.C.

Jacob Dyer of Purlear, N.C.

Zachary Hayes of Carthage, N.C.

Andre' Jones of Jackson, Miss.

Kirby Lambert of Robbins, N.C.

Michael Lott of Woodbridge, Va.

Justice McCormick of Lilesville, N.C.

Jason Munson of Massena, N.Y.

Devon Schaffer of Pueblo, Colo.

Walker Shelton of LaGrange, N.C.

Damon Smith of Stanfield, N.C.

William Weaver of Shelby, N.C.

Erin Woriax of Red Springs, N.C.

All wildlife law enforcement officer trainees are required to pass an extensive background, psychological and physical screening before entering an intensive accredited academy conducted by the Law Enforcement Division.

The majority of basic law enforcement training is held at the N.C. Department of Public Safety Samarcand Training Academy in Jackson Springs. Officers complete conservation-specific training on fish and wildlife laws, motorboat accident investigation and protected species. Instruction covers statutory and investigation procedures, defensive tactics, fish and game laws, and pursuit driving and boating.

Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities.

More information about careers in wildlife enforcement is available on the agency's website, ncwildlife.org.lawenforcement.

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Submitted by Mindy Wharton