Eleven new Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) game wardens have completed the agency’s intensive training program and officially joined the Enforcement Division. The graduates were sworn in on September 11 during a ceremony at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway.
Their training, which began May 10 at the H.C. “Red” Morris Training Center near Mayflower, spanned 835 hours. The new wardens studied and practiced skills including self-defense, firearm use, first aid and rescue techniques, criminal law, and wildlife code enforcement. According to Maj. Brian Aston, assistant chief of enforcement over special operations and training, the process to become a game warden starts well before training, beginning with extensive interviews and background checks of applicants. From hundreds of applicants, 16 were invited to begin training, and 11 completed the rigorous program.
“For this graduating class, the badge isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a legacy and a privilege,” said Aarron Casey, the class spokesman from Pocahontas. Addressing his peers, he acknowledged the challenges of their new careers and encouraged them to honor the sacrifices made during training.
Several cadets earned special recognition during the ceremony. Caleb Faulkner of Horseshoe Bend received the Physical Fitness Award for excelling in endurance and strength tests. Ethan Johnson of Mountain Home was honored with the Top Gun Award for achieving a 98.44% marksmanship accuracy rating. The Edward H. Armstrong Memorial Excellence Award, which recognizes the cadet with the highest GPA, was presented to Miles Hermann of Hot Springs. Wesley Cornish of Warren stood out with two honors, earning both the Survival Swimming Award and the Joel Campora Memorial Outstanding Achievement Award. The latter, named for a warden who died heroically during a 2013 rescue attempt, is voted on by classmates to recognize a cadet who demonstrates pride, professionalism, and selflessness in their service.
Col. Joe Williams, chief of AGFC’s Enforcement Division, commended the graduates on their success and offered guidance. “This is a day to celebrate an accomplishment that few achieve,” said Williams. He reminded the cadets of their responsibilities during chaotic and critical moments, such as maintaining safety during peak hunting seasons and providing closure to families in times of tragedy. “You’ve earned the opportunity to be called an Arkansas game warden. No one gave it to you,” he added. “I am proud of you. Go forward and prosper.”
The newly sworn-in wardens have been assigned as follows: Daniel Berry of Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Grant County; Aarron Casey of Pocahontas, to Crittenden County; Wesley Cornish of Warren, to Cleveland County; Cole Dawson of Russellville, to Ouachita County; Caleb Faulkner of Horseshoe Bend, to Cross County; Cody Halpaine of Benton, to Jefferson County; Miles Hermann of Hot Springs, to Sevier County; Daulton Johnson of Searcy, to Woodruff County; Ethan Johnson of Mountain Home, to Cleburne County; John Johnston of Monticello, to Drew County; and James Newman of Hot Springs, to Garland County.
Images of this year’s graduates are available through AGFC by contacting randy.zellers@agfc.ar.gov.