The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently honored two of its game wardens, James Adcock and Allison “Alli” Hatten, for their outstanding contributions to boating and wildlife law enforcement. In a ceremony that speaks more to action than words, the duo was recognized at the August Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting. According to a TPWD press release, Adcock was awarded the 2024 NASBLA Texas Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year while Hatten took home the 2023 AMFGLEO Texas Officer of the Year accolade.
Adcock, serving in Comal County, made it his mission to aggressively tackle water safety on Canyon Lake, a popular spot prone to boating while intoxicated (BWI) incidents and other violations. "James and Alli consistently demonstrate their dedication to the department, and more importantly, the people of Texas, through their eagerness and passion for conservation law enforcement and public safety," Lt. Col. Ron VanderRoest, interim director of TPWD Law Enforcement, was quoted saying in the TPWD release. Indeed, Adcock's fervent commitment has led to a safer boating atmosphere on Texas waters.
Allison Hatten, an officer for Val Verde County, has a record of excellence spanning her 12-year career. Hatten has not only been training her fellow officers but also leverages her expertise as part of the Texas Game Warden Rural Operations Group (ROG), a task force providing support across the state's varied environments. According to the TPWD release, Hatten's instruction methods are lauded both in the rural response team and within the larger law enforcement community.
Not ones to shy away from going the extra nautical mile, these professionals have also made strides outside of their immediate duties. Adcock, for example, doubles as a standard field sobriety testing instructor, and Hatten plays a crucial role in shaping new game wardens as a field training officer. Their actions are more than just a salute to protocol; they are a testament to their unwavering dedication to both the environment and public safety, skills which can only be honed, not taught—a notion echoed by VanderRoest when he noted how they "go above and beyond to support fellow wardens" in the TPWD announcement.
The NASBLA and AMFGLEO awards are more than just plaques on the wall; they represent a tangible recognition of the hard work these dedicated enforcement officers put in. For those interested in visual accolades, the TPWD Flickr page provides photos of the award recipients. NASBLA and AMFGLEO are organizations committed to ensuring the safeguarding of wildlife and promoting safe boating practices across the United States and beyond. Their endorsement of Adcock and Hatten's work further cements the vital roles these game wardens play in maintaining Texas's natural resources and the safety of its people.
