Texas Game Wardens were recognized for acts of courage, dedication and lifesaving service during a recent ceremony highlighting their work protecting Texans and natural resources.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Law Enforcement Division presented several awards, including the Director’s Medal of Valor, Director’s Medal of Merit, Director’s Citation and Director’s Life Saving Award. Nine wardens were also named Warden of the Year for their respective regions, and several personnel received promotions.
The awards recognized heroic efforts during July flooding in Kerr County and across the Hill Country.
Sergeant Brent Biggs, Lt. Robert Mitchell, Game Warden Jacob Crumpton and other members of the Texas Game Warden Search and Rescue Team rescued multiple residents from the flood-swollen Guadalupe River.
Crumpton was lowered into fast-moving, debris-filled waters to extract stranded victims, while Mitchell piloted a helicopter under treacherous conditions.
Other wardens, including John Compton, Ray Milloway and Michael Serbanic, launched rescue boats into raging waters to reach flood-isolated residents and assist in evacuations.
Their efforts extended over several hours, helping protect lives in areas including Camp Mystic, where helicopter evacuations and ground rescues were coordinated under hazardous conditions.
The Director’s Medal of Merit recognized personnel such as Dustyn Jansky, Cooper Wolken and members of TPWD’s aviation units for exceptional service coordinating rescue operations, establishing communications, and supporting recovery efforts in the flood-impacted region. The Director’s Citation honored wardens who provided distinguished service beyond the normal course of duty, including leadership at incident command centers and coordination with partner agencies.
The Director’s Life Saving Award recognized wardens who directly saved lives, including Houston County Game Wardens Curtis Brock and Conner Sumbera, who rescued stranded hunters in the Big Slough Wilderness Area, and Tarrant County Warden Joseph Sellers, who saved a boater at Eagle Mountain Lake.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office was named Texas Game Warden Prosecutor of the Year for its work prosecuting wildlife crimes, boating under the influence cases, and narcotics offenses, including more than 60 convictions in the Ghost Deer Investigation.
Texas Game Wardens are responsible for enforcing laws related to hunting, fishing, wildlife conservation, and public safety. They also play a critical role in search and rescue operations during natural disasters.
Residents who witness wildlife violations can report them by calling 1-800792-GAME (4263) or using the Texas OGT app. use the Texas OGT app.
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