The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has recently honored Sgt. Dustin Burke as the Wildlife Officer of the Year for the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA), as announced by TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division Colonel Darren Rider. Sgt. Burke, who oversees the Off-Highway Program in District 41, responsible for the sprawling 200,000-acre North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area, is set to be recognized during a SEAFWA Chief’s Council meeting this October in Augusta, Ga.
According to an official statement from TWRA, along with Sgt. Burke, officers from other regions and districts were also commended for their sterling performance These distinguished officers include; Sgt. Ray Garton from Region I and Ray McMillen of District 11, Montana Michelson from Region II paired with Hailey Guffey from District 22, Derrick Gray of Region III with Tim Mannale from District 32, and finally Justin Pinkston representing District 42.
In highlighting the exceptional dedication of these officers, Colonel Rider emphasized the challenge in selecting just one recipient out of a cadre of dedicated professionals: “It’s always a difficult situation when one officer is selected out of a group of officers that have all gone above and beyond the duty of ensuring Tennessee hunters, anglers and boaters are provided safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities,” Rider conveyed information to TWRA. "All these officers are to be commended for their professionalism and efforts they displayed this year. All these officers had a fantastic year, but Sgt. Burke really excelled in all aspects of his job."
The recognition of Sgt. Burke extends beyond his field duties, reflecting his commitment to community engagement. He played a pivotal role in liaising with district attorneys, local judges, TWRA commissioners, and wildlife managers about safety concerns on North Cumberland WMA and the landmark rule amendment to ban alcohol on WMAs, and also, he is spearheading the TITAN crash reporting system to enhance incident documentation efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, his involvement in public outreach includes organizing multiple events such as a successful "Shop with a Cop" event which raised $58,000 for 240 children, a free fishing day that benefited 94 youth, and activities to bolster educational outreach like school career days, a Jakes Day event, an Archery in the School event, and even an OHV trash clean-up and safety education day, as noted by TWRA.
SEAFWA, which comprises state agencies charged with managing and conserving fish and wildlife resources across 15 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, will choose its Officer of the Year from among the honored state and territory recipients.
