Ethan Johnson, a Mountain Home resident, earned the prestigious Top Gun Award for firearms accuracy in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's (AGFC) latest class of graduating game wardens. Johnson posted a 98.44% accuracy rate during training on both handguns and long guns, securing his recognition among the 11 newly graduated wardens.
The graduates were sworn in on September 11 at a formal ceremony held at Antioch Baptist Church in Conway. Johnson has been assigned to serve as a game warden in Cleburne County, where he will enforce wildlife laws, respond to emergencies, and assist with incidents on Arkansas waterways.
The rigorous training program began May 10 at the H.C. “Red” Morris Training Center east of Mayflower and spanned 18 weeks, comprising 835 hours of instruction. Areas of study included self-defense, firearms proficiency, first aid and rescue, criminal law, and wildlife code enforcement.
Several other graduates from northern Arkansas received notable honors. Caleb Faulkner of Horseshoe Bend earned the Physical Fitness Award for excelling in endurance and strength tests, which included components such as a timed mile-and-a-half run and a maximum bench press. Faulkner has been assigned to Cross County. Aarron Casey of Pocahontas, selected as the class spokesman, will serve in Crittenden County.
AGFC Assistant Chief of Enforcement Maj. Brian Aston explained the challenging selection process leading up to the academy, which began nearly a year ago. "The application process included interviews, extensive background checks, and in-person meetings with community references," Aston said. From hundreds of applicants, only 16 were initially chosen for the program, and 11 successfully completed the training.
Among other awards recognized at the ceremony, Miles Hermann of Hot Springs received the Edward H. Armstrong Memorial Excellence Award for achieving the highest overall grade-point average. Wesley Cornish of Warren was awarded both the Survival Swimming Award and the Joel Campora Memorial Outstanding Achievement Award.
During the ceremony, AGFC Enforcement Division Chief Col. Joe Williams commended the graduates for their dedication and hard work. "You’ve earned the opportunity to be called an Arkansas game warden, no one gave it to you," Williams said. "I am proud of you; go forward and prosper."
The graduating class also includes Daniel Berry of Bowling Green, Kentucky (assigned to Grant County); Wesley Cornish of Warren (Cleveland County); Cole Dawson of Russellville (Ouachita County); Cody Halpaine of Benton (Jefferson County); Miles Hermann of Hot Springs (Sevier County); Daulton Johnson of Searcy (Woodruff County); John Johnston of Monticello (Drew County); and James Newman of Hot Springs (Garland County).