Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers Receive Guy Bradley Award
March 28, 2013 -- Special Agent Kash Schriefer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Office and Conservation Police Captain John M. Hutchens of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries have been selected to receive the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s 2013 Guy Bradley Award for wildlife law enforcement.
Both recipients were selected for their career accomplishments in the protection and conservation of wildlife and natural resources. Named after the first wildlife officer killed in the line of duty in 1905, the Guy Bradley Award is presented each year by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to recognize individuals for outstanding lifetime contributions to wildlife law enforcement.
“We are very proud to present the Guy Bradley Award to Special Agent Schriefer and Captain Hutchens in recognition of their outstanding work in protecting and conserving our nation’s treasured wildlife. Their dedication and accomplishments provide a model for all those on the front lines charged with enforcing our wildlife laws,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
“We join the Foundation in applauding the extraordinary accomplishments of these officers,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “Their work, as well as that of their state and federal law enforcement counterparts nationwide, truly makes a difference for wildlife.”
Schriefer, who has worked in conservation law enforcement for more than 24 years, was honored for his success in skillfully and successfully investigating wildlife crime, and his role in assisting and mentoring wildlife officers. His efforts have strengthened protections for species at risk and contributed to the effectiveness of Federal and State wildlife enforcement programs.
Hutchens received the award for his tireless efforts resulting in numerous wildlife-related criminal enterprises being shut down, as well as being critical to the introduction of new Virginia laws and regulations aimed directly at the protection of Virginia’s natural resources. He has worked in multiple areas of wildlife law enforcement for over 30 years.
About NFWF
Established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) sustains, restores and enhances the nation's fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. Working with federal, corporate and individual partners, NFWF has funded more than 4,000 organizations and committed more than $2.1 billion to conservation projects. Learn more at www.nfwf.org.
About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov, www.facebook.com/usfws, www.twitter.com/usfwshq, www.youtube.com/usfws and www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.